EuroParlRadio

“We want an Irish Green Deal” - Cuffe

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

European Parliament calls for compulsory pet register

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

“Strong Irish voice needed in critical Brexit phase” - Fitzgerald

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

 

“Ireland could be doing more to contain coronavirus” - Daly

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 hold emergency meeting over coronavirus

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

Clune calls for action on Artificial Intelligence

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

EU calls for laws to regulate Artificial Intelligence

The European Parliament is calling for new laws to regulate artificial intelligence.

A resolution, passed by MEPS, aims to give more control to consumers when it comes to AI systems.

Concerns have been raised that some algorithms were throwing up biased results.

Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune sits on the Consumer Protection Committee     

Dur: 0:25

Out: very important  

European Parliament votes to end Female Genital Mutilation

The European Parliament has adopted a resolution to end the practice of Female Genital Mutilation around the world.

It’s estimated that 180 thousand young girls are at risk of FGM in Europe alone.

The strategy calls for more member states to criminalise the act, better education and further engagement with communities.

Fine Gael Fine Gael MEP Frances Fitzgerald is calling for a zero-tolerance approach

Dur: 0:15

Out: so enormous  

Cuffe praises Walsh for breaking ranks on energy vote

Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh has broken party ranks in the European Parliament in a vote over energy projects.

The motion aimed to block a list of priority projects including the controversial Shannon LNG gas terminal.

Critics say it goes against climate ambitions and will see fracked gas imported from the US to Ireland.

The motion was rejected, with Fine Gael’s Seán Kelly among those voting against.

Dublin Green MEP Ciarán Cuffe is praising Maria Walsh for taking a different view

Dur: 0:29

Out: need it

European Parliament lays out its stance on UK future relations- voicer

The European Parliament is insisting on a level playing field when it comes to EU-UK trade talks.

MEPs also want an agreement on fisheries to be struck by June.

Kevin Purcell reports from Strasbourg

DUR: 0:38

OUT: trade deal