EuroParlRadio

Ireland “two-faced” if it refuses more migrants

Irish people were taken in by countries throughout history so it would be hypocritical if we refused migrants now, says Ciarán Cuffe.

The Green MEP has been speaking following a debate in the European Parliament this week on the situation at the Greek-Turkish border.

Ireland should take “a multiple” of the numbers who have already arrived with us he says.

Dur: 33

Out words: At this stage

Equality must also support women at home - McGuinness

Gender equality objectives must not ignore women who do not work, says Fine Gael's Mairead McGuinness.

The First Vice President of the European Parliament has welcomed the new EU Gender Equality Strategy which aims to achieve a “gender-equal Europe” by 2025.

Although equality has improved in Ireland, the number of women in senior positions in business, politics and our universities remains woefully low. Mairead McGuinness says that whilst tackling those targets is important, equality should also support those women who are carers for children or relatives and are not in the workplace.

Dur: 21”

Out words: To be addressed

European Parliament in corona shutdown

The coronavirus has caused the European Parliament to be shutdown.

The plenary session that was originally scheduled for Strasbourg this week, was shifted to Brussels and then cut short.

Next week’s committee meetings have now been cancelled. Most of the staff are expected to work from home leving the corridors eerily quiet as Green Party MEP, Grace O'Sullivan explains.

29”

Need to be taken

EU to improve women's lives or wasted words – McGuinness

Fine Gael's Mairead McGuinness has welcomed a new EU plan to boost the role of women. 

The so-called Gender Equality Strategy aims to build on what the European Union believes it has achieved over the last five years.

It points to the success of equal treatment laws and policies to support women in the workplace. The aim is to achieve a “gender-equal Europe” by 2025. The Midlands North-West MEP, Mairead McGuinness, says these objectives must be more than the piece of paper they are written on.

19”

On all women

Irish fishermen threatened by coronavirus

The livelihoods of fishermen in Ireland are in jeopardy because of the coronavirus, Green Party MEP Grace O'Sullivan is warning.

The virus has interrupted the transporting of brown crabs and other Irish seafood destined for China.

And without the guarantee of speedy delivery, the Chinese will stop buying. It is a potential disaster for Ireland’s seafood fleet. Grace O'Sullivan, is calling for the EU to step in and support Irish fishermen.

Dur: 28”

Out words: Loss of income

Mixed messages on coronavirus “confusing” MEP

How many people should be allowed at events before they should be cancelled because of corona? The answer depends on where you live.

The Irish government has banned St Patrick’s Day parades because of virus concerns. But in France events can go ahead if limited to under 1,000 people.

Italy is in lockdown. Dublin MEP, Frances Fitzgerald, says there needs to be a common approach based on scientific advice agreed Europe-wide.

Dur: 30”

Out words: Agreed across Europe

Corona biggest test to Europe in a generation

The coronavirus is the biggest test to Europe in a generation – that’s according to Frances Fitzgerald.

The former Tánaiste is extremely worried about the outbreak spreading.

Last night EU leaders promised to do a better job at co-ordinating efforts:  Irish health ministers now expect to be in daily contact with their European counterparts.

A package of funding amounting to €140 million is also being put in place by the EU to boost virus research. Dublin MEP, Frances Fitzgerald, says European neighbours need to co-operate with each other and share knowledge.

Dur: 34”

Out: Understood across Europe

Brexit No 1 issue for Sinn Fein's MacManus in Europe

Brexit is the number one concern for Sinn Fein’s new MEP Chris MacManus.

Although the UK and EU agreed the terms in the Withdrawal Agreement, the Irish protocol needs to be put into practice in time for next year.

Sinn Fein’s new Midlands Northwest MEP arrived in Brussels this week only to see the voting session cut short by the coronavirus. The European Parliament will go into virtual shutdown next week: all committee meetings have been cancelled.

Chris MacManus is disappointed not to be able to get stuck in, but he says he will be working hard to get to know his constituency.

Dur: 30”

Out words: Hardening of the border

Interview with Fine Gael MEP Deidre Clune on the impact of the Corona virus

Brussels-based journalist Georg von Harrach talks to the Fine Gael MEP Deirdre Clune about the impact of the coronavirus in Ireland and across Europe. 

Sinn Fein’s "Accidental MEP" starts work in Brussels

Sinn Fein’s new MEP has taken up his seat in Brussels.

Chris MacManus replaces Matt Carthy as the party’s only politician in the European Parliament.

MacManus has spent 21 years in local government in Sligo. He previously stood for election to the Dáil and today doesn’t rule out another attempt to become a TD. He says becoming an MEP was unexpected, but he is determined to make the best of the job.

Dur: 25”

out words: Excited by it.