EuroParlRadio

Medical device shortages threat – Clune

Hospitals risk a shortage of vital medical devices without urgent action, Deirdre Clune has warned. Following the PIP breast implant scandal, an updated EU law demanded that all medical devices be registered on a new system. It was designed to be more accountable to reassure patients and doctors. It takes up to 18 months to certify a device. The deadline, May 2024, is now only 18 months away. With time running out, only around 15 per cent of devices, such as heart valves and catheters, have so far been registered. Fine Gael MEP, Deirdre Clune, says, unless a solution is found, our healthcare system will lose vital devices patients urgently need.

 

Out words: Medical treatments

Dur: 0’22” 

Atlantic Technological University “stimulus” for north west

Colm Markey has praised our new university for creating a “stimulous” for the north west region. Since the merger earlier this year, the Atlantic Technological University has already started to attract EU funding. Latest data suggests that the northern and western region is lagging behind. The EU this week approved a new tranche of €217 million in development aid. Midlands North-West MEP, Colm Markey, says projects like the university are needed to turn the region around.

 

Out words: Research capacity

Dur: 0’16”

EU millions to level-up western Ireland

The EU has approved regional development aid worth €217 million for the northern and western region of Ireland. The money is supposed to be used for projects which boost the region’s economy. According to data from the regional assembly, the area has an economic output of less than half the state average. Midlands North-West MEP, Colm Markey, hopes the cash can be used to revitalise our "hollowed-out" towns.

 

Out words: Industry as well

Dur: 0‘22”

EU must keep Euro stable – Kelleher

The EU must keep the Euro stable through the difficult economic times ahead, that’s the view of MEP, Billy Kelleher. During the covid crisis, some of the stringent rules governing the currency were put on hold. Now a review is underway as to what should be reapplied. Last week the Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland warned that EU decisions on the so-called Stability and Growth Pact will influence the cost of government debt. Fianna Fáil MEP, Billy Kelleher, says in view of the current economic conditions, the EU should tread carefully.

 

Out words: Is underpinned

Dur: 0’22”

Ireland in “dinosaur” fossil fuel treaty

The European Parliament is debating the future of the Energy Charter Treaty. The fear is that it is being used by fossil fuel companies to hold up Europe’s progress toward carbon-neutral. The terms of the treaty allow energy companies to sue if policies threaten their business. Some EU countries have already announced they are withdrawing from the treaty. Dublin’s Green MEP, Ciarán Cuffe, says Ireland should help the treaty be modernised or quit.

 

Out words: Get it right

Dur: 0’11”

Reform or leave fossil fuel treaty – Cuffe

Ireland needs to get out of an international treaty which is a threat to our greener future, Dublin MEP, Ciarán Cuffe says. The Energy Charter Treaty is allowing fossil fuel companies to sue for compensation if government policy threatens their revenues. Germany and the Netherlands have faced lawsuits for trying to phase-out coal power. President Macron has announced France will quit the treaty. Ireland is still a member. Green MEP, Ciarán Cuffe, says either we need to get the treaty reformed and quickly, or we need to get out too.

 

Out words: Coal power station

Dur: 0’21”

Ireland and EU needs fair migrant system – O’Sullivan

EU interior ministers will hold an emergency session in Brussels today to discuss Europe’s migrant crisis. Hundreds of migrants rescued at sea were refused entry into Italy in recent weeks as the new Italian government takes a hard line. Under the so-called Dublin regulation, migrants are supposed to be processed in the first safe EU country. For two years the EU has been trying to agree a fairer way of redistributing migrants. Green MEP, Grace O’Sullivan says all EU countries, including Ireland, should consider whether they are doing enough.

 

Out words: of migrants

Dur: 0’21”

Clune backs Donohoe as nominations close

EU states have until today to put forward a candidate to run for Eurogroup president. Ireland’s Paschal Donohoe currently holds the job. The Eurogroup is represented by the finance ministers of the 19 Euro currency countries. In his pitch for a second term at the helm, Paschal Donohoe, promises to double down on inflationary pressures. Fellow Fine Gael politician, Deirdre Clune, is supporting his bid. She says he has an excellent record, and it is a prestigious role for Ireland to maintain.

 

Out words: Steady hand on the ship

Dur: 0’19”

Qatar concerns spark football rethink, hopes Ex-GAA

The former President of the GAA has expressed regret that football has been eclipsed by scandal at the World Cup. Outrage over human rights, construction worker conditions and LGBT repression have taken much of the limelight away from the matches so far. Former GAA chief and veteran Fine Gael MEP, Sean Kelly, says it is right that those concerns have been raised. He hopes it will prove to be a line in the sand for FIFA.

 

Out words: May be rooted out

Dur: 0’24”

Markey backs generators for Ukraine campaign

Colm Markey is urging communities and businesses to donate power generators to Ukraine. It is estimated 25,000 generators are needed to power schools and hospitals and other essential services cut off due to Russia’s bombing campaign. The European Parliament has branded Russia a terrorist state in part because of the targeting of civilian infrastructure.* Ten million Ukrainians are currently without electricity. The European Parliament’s president today launched a plea for “Generators of Hope”. Fine Gael MEP, Colm Markey, is backing the campaign.

 

Out words: To Ukraine

Dur: 0‘21”

 

CYBER ATTACK

*A few hours since that vote and the parliament’s website is currently experiencing a “sophisticated cyberattack”. The European Parliament’s president said in a statement that “a pro-Kremlin group has claimed responsibility.”