EuroParlRadio covers news from the European Parliament for Irish radio stations.
Dublin MEP Ciarán Cuffe says Poland and Hungary should back down in the row with the EU over the budget.
The two countries have blocked the approval of 1.8 trillion euro which includes a 750 billion euro COVID recovery package.
They’re not happy about a clause which links access to the cash to respecting EU laws.
Ciarán Cuffe says the so called ‘rule of law’ mechanism is necessary
Dur: 0:23
Out: these funds
Dublin MEP Ciarán Cuffe says it’s crucial that a row over the EU’s budget and COVID recovery fund is resolved soon.
1.8 trillion euro is being blocked by Poland and Hungary over a clause which links the money to respecting the rule of law.
Both countries are already under investigation by the EU for a number of alleged breaches.
Ciarán Cuffe says the cash needs to be unlocked to deal with the COVID crisis
Dur: 0:30
Out: do that
Fine Gael MEP Seán Kelly believes talks on a Brexit deal will come down to fisheries.
There’s still no progress in the discussions - with just weeks to go before the transition period ends.
Yesterday, the European Commission President said the main differences remain the level playing field, governance, and fisheries.
Seán Kelly says the UK is in a tight spot when it comes to fishing rights
Dur: 0:26
Out: hopefully
The Fine Gael MEP Seán Kelly says he’s in favour of lowering the voting age in European elections to 16.
It’s one of the suggestions in a resolution backed by Parliament, aimed at improving democracy ahead of 2024 vote.
Other potential reforms including a ban on campaign funding from foreign bodies and more scrutiny of algorithms on social media.
Seán Kelly believes more young people should have a voice in the democratic process
Dur: 0:26
Out: trial basis
The voting age for the European elections could be lowered to 16.
MEPs say it’s one of a number of potential reforms that should be considered ahead of the 2024 elections.
Kevin Purcell has more from the European Parliament in Brussels.
Dur: 0:43
Out: in Brussels
Products sold online which don’t respect EU safety rules should be recalled.
The European Parliament has backed a resolution calling for better protection for consumers.
MEPs want online platforms and marketplaces to take more responsibility to ensure products are safe.
Fine Gael MEP for Ireland South Deirdre Clune says the current rules need to be upgraded.
Dur: 0:20
Out: this area
MEPs say product safety rules have to made fit for the digital age.
With more and more people shopping online, the European Parliament wants better protection for consumers.
MEPs say all products circulating in the EU need to be safe and anything which poses a hazard or has unsafe software should be recalled.
Fine Gael MEP for Ireland South Deirdre Clune is on the Consumer Protection Committee
Dur: 0:25
Out: regulations
Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh says US President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris are both welcome to visit Co. Mayo.
Walsh, who was born in the United States and grew up in Shrule, says she followed the US election results very closely.
Joe Biden’s Irish roots can be traced back to Mayo and Louth - both in the Midlands-North-West constituency.
Maria Walsh is hoping that he might pay a visit, once in office
Dur: 0:18
Out: in Ireland
A Fine Gael MEP is calling on all EU countries to come together to ban gay conversion therapy.
It’s already illegal is some member states while the current Irish Government has promised to follow suit during its term.
Maria Walsh made the call during a debate in Parliament on the EU’s first ever LGBTI equality strategy.
She said it’s for the EU to act
Dur: 0:17
Out: EU countries
Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh is calling for an EU-wide ban on gay conversion therapy.
She was speaking during a debate on the first LGBTI equality strategy in the European Parliament.
The current Irish Government has promised to ban conversion therapy during its term.
Maria Walsh wants the entire EU to do the same
Dur: 0:15
Out: disgusting
