EuroParlRadio covers news from the European Parliament for Irish radio stations.
The Fine Gael MEP Deirdre Clune talks to Kevin Purcell about being back in the European Parliament and what her priorities will be for the next few years.
Out words: needs be
Dur: 3:08
The Fine Gael MEP Deirdre Clune says it’s great to be back in the European Parliament after being frozen out of EU politics following her win in the European elections last year.
The Ireland South MEP couldn’t take up her seat until the British left the European Union.
But she was able to return to Brussels and Strasbourg this month after the British MEPs vacated the Parliament and paved the way for both herself and Fianna Fail’s Barry Andrews to become fully fledged MEPs.
Now Deirdre Clune says the future relationship with the UK will be a significant focus for her in the years ahead.
Out words: be protected
Dur: 00:33
Women still face many of the challenges identified twenty five years ago despite international efforts to counter gender inequalities. So says the European Parliament which this week called on EU countries to take strong action against all measures undermining women’s rights.
A sizeable majority of MEPs backed a resolution demanding action to counter the backlash against gender equality.
The Fine Gael MEP Frances Fitzgerald says the Parliament is developing a new strategy on gender issues.
Out words: young women
Dur: 00:38
Trade and development will be high up on the agenda of the new Fianna Fail MEP Barry Andrews. He attended his first European Parliament plenary session in Strasbourg last week after being frozen out of EU politics since he was elected last year.
Mr Andrews wasn’t able to take up his seat until the UK left the EU at the end of last month.
Now he’s focusing on some key issues for the years ahead.
Out words: agendas there
Dur: 00:33
The next Government should prioritise an Irish Green Deal as well as housing and health according to Green MEP Ciarán Cuffe.
He was speaking after his party leader met with Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald as she tries to form a Government.
Ciarán Cuffe says his preference is a coalition on the left but is open to talking to all parties.
Speaking in Strasbourg, he said the Greens want a number of issues tackled by whoever is in charge
Dur: 0:24
Out: coming days
Your pet dog or cat may need to be registered on an EU-wide system as part of efforts to clamp down on pet trafficking.
The European Parliament has adopted a resolution which also calls for tougher sanctions against smugglers.
It’s thought that about 46 thousand dogs are sold every month between EU member states, most of the unregistered.
Green Party MEP Grace O’Sullivan explains what’s involved in the resolution
Dur: 0:32
Out: be stopped
Fine Gael MEP Frances Fitzgerald says Ireland needs a strong voice as critical talks get underway between the EU and the UK
Negotiations on a future relationship are expected to begin next month but it remains to be seen whether a new Irish Government is formed by then.
This week, the European Parliament set out its stall and called on the UK to follow EU rules in a host of areas.
Frances Fitzgerald says it will be a challenging period
Dur: 0:21
Out: any cost
Dublin MEP Clare Daly says Ireland could be doing more at points of entry to help contain the coronavirus.
She made the comments following an update from the European Commission in the European Parliament last night.
EU Health Ministers are currently discussing the outbreak at an emergency meeting in Brussels.
It comes as the death toll in China alone rises to more than 1300.
Clare Daly says the EU seems to be taking the issue seriously
Dur: 0:36
Out: focussed
EU Health Ministers are holding emergency talks in Brussels to discuss the coronavirus.
It comes after the death toll in China jumped dramatically to over 1300 while the total number of infections in the country is now close to 60 thousand.
Last night, a spokesperson for the European Commission told Parliament it has mobilised its services and agencies and is working on all fronts to tackle the outbreak.
Dublin MEP Clare Daly spoke during the debate
Dur: 0:30
Out: contain it
Artificial intelligence systems are throwing up biased results against women when it comes to systems like hiring websites.
Concerns have been raised about the issue at European Parliament level.
There are now calls for better AI regulation so there’s more transparency in the process.
Fine Gael MEP Deirdre Clune, who sits on the Consumer Protection Committee, says it needs to be addressed
Dur: 0:35
Out: the beginning
