EuroParlRadio

Petrol pump prices must fall, demands Kelleher

Irish motorists should be benefiting from cheaper petrol right now – that’s according to Fianna Fail MEP Billy Kelleher.

The price of oil has been falling – down by more than 40 per cent since the beginning of the year.

Saudi Arabia has been increasing production in an attempt to pressure Russia into a new price fixing deal. Those moves have led to lower prices on the global markets. But Billy Kelleher says we are not feeling the benefit at the petrol forecourts.

Dur: 20”

Out: large reductions

EU could raise its own taxes - Kelleher

The EU may have to start raising its own taxes in order to fund its ambitious plans for the bloc. That's the warning from the Fianna Fail MEP Billy Kelleher.

Discussions over the EU’s future budget have been going on for months.

Last week heads of state failed to find a compromise. All sides agree the EU needs more money, but some member states are less willing to foot the bill. Billy Kelleher, says unless a compromise is found soon, the EU may have to look for ways to raise the money itself.

21”

OUT: Fund it adequately

EU should open coffers to tackle COVID-19 fallout

The Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly says the EU should “open the coffers” to help businesses cope with the coronavirus.

He's suggesting a range of ways in which the EU could help including funding being provided by the European Investment Bank (EIB).

The Ireland South MEP also believes the EU could be more flexible with its state aid rules. Sean Kelly says facing yet another serious financial crisis, the European Union must do what it can to prevent companies going bust.

Dur: 30”

OUT: Go to the wall

EU needs to take charge to stop COVID-19 spread - Kelly

Europe should make co-ordinated decisions to stop the spread of the coronavirus. That’s according to Sean Kelly.

The Fine Gael MEP is critical of the EU which he believes has been slow to react to the spread of the virus. Different European countries have put in different rules about whether events can go ahead or not. France has banned gatherings of more than 1,000 people, whilst Italy is now in lockdown.

Sean Kelly admits that it is up to each country to decide what to do, but he believes the virus can only be halted if the EU takes charge.

30”

OUT: To someone else

EU facing an exceptional situation – EU Commissioner

Solidarity and the sharing of critical information and resources across the EU will be vital in order to tackle the COVID-19 virus.  

That’s the recommendation from the EU Commissioner for Health and Food Safety who addressed the European Parliament this morning.

Stella Kyriakides told MEPs complacency was not an option.  

Out words: their responsibilities 

Dur: 00:33

 

Covid-19 a ‘fast-moving and increasingly severe public health emergency” – EU

The European Commissioner for Health and Food safety told the European Parliament this morning the days and weeks ahead are critical when it comes to controlling the COVID-19 virus.  Stella Kyriakides said member states must focus on efforts to aggressively contain the virus particularly where there are few cases.

The European Parliament took the unprecedented step to shorten its monthly plenary this week to just one day. And it decided to hold the session in Brussels instead of Strasbourg because of the coronavirus.

Here’s the EU Commissioner Stella Kyriakides.

Out words: the hour.

Dur: 00:27

FG MEP Deirdre Clune on European Parliament priorities

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

 

Great to be back! Clune on European Parliament priorities

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

Trade & development high up on Andrews MEP agenda

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

 

MEPs demand action against gender equality backlash – Fitzgerald

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