Questions arise as hospital beds in the next few weeks are being emptied, and surgeries are being cancelled, to accommodate the 900 patients who are expected to be admitted with influenza. 

Joining Pat was Dr Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer, Health Service Executive.  

Joining Pat for this weeks Friday forum was:

• Catherine Ardagh TD, Fianna Fáil, Dublin South-Central

• Eoin Ó Broin TD, Sinn Féin, Dublin Mid-West, Spokesperson on Housing, Local Government and Heritage 

• Philip Ryan, Political Editor, Irish Independent 

Anna McHugh, Head of Communications with An Post  joined Pat to talk all things an post.

As the festive season fills our plates, how can you care for your gut while enjoying the indulgences? and how can you distinguish between cramps and pains related to Christmas excess from more serious conditions? Deirdre O’Donovan - Consultant Gastroenterologist joined Pat with the answers.

UK soldiers are poised to train troops in Ukraine. To discuss Pat was joined by Duncan Bullivant, Special Advisor to the Head of the Bosnia peace keeping mission, part of the UK mission to Kosovo in 1999 and CEO of the Henderson Group, an international risk management advisory   

Glazing your Ham, nailing the turkey, getting the drinks just right and all the sides for a delicious family meal Gareth Mullins, Executive Chef of The Anantara Marker Hotel joined Pat with all the tips.

Chaos in Rosslare in the wake of Holyhead closure—what’s being done?

To answer that Pat was joined by Ger Carthy, Wexford Councillor

Nicolas Sarkozy has been ordered to wear an electronic tag after corruption ruling. Appeals court confirms verdict against former French president for corruption and influence peddling. 

  Lara Marlowe, Paris-based journalist and author joined Pat with the latest.

Kevin Byrne retired lieutenant colonel & airport safety & security expert joined Pat for a roundup of the aviation stories.

Colm Boohig, Broadcaster with Off the Ball discusses this weekend’s sport as after a two-week hiatus from the URC, the weekend brings two Irish derbies. Ulster will host Munster, while Connacht travels to the Aviva to face Leinster.   

There is also plenty of Premier League action, where top of the table Liverpool favours their chances in away game against Tottenham.  

This week on Boxed John looks at Black Doves.