EuroParlRadio

von der Leyen presents her team to Parliament

MEPs are about to vote on the new European Commission. (Voting between 11am to 12pm Irish time)

President-elect Ursula von der Leyen presented her team of 27 to the Parliament in Strasbourg this morning.

Ireland’s Phil Hogan has been given the trade portfolio and is set to take up office on December 1^st.

Ms von der Leyen says the new Commission is ready to get to work:

 

Out words: to work  

Dur: 00:20

“No one has the right to tell me how I should live” – Maria Walsh

Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh has condemned hate speech and discrimination against LGBTI people during a debate in the European Parliament.

It was prompted by concerns over attempts to create so-called “LGBTI free zones” in Poland.

The Midlands-North-West MEP called for EU institutions to take action.

She also criticised comments made by other MEPs in the chamber last night

 

Out words: (clapping fades out)

Dur: 00:18

European Parliament to vote on new Commission

MEPs will today vote on the proposed new European Commission.
 
A simple majority is required to approve the team of 27 who, if elected, will take up office on December 1st.
 
Ireland’s Phil Hogan is due to oversee trade while the UK has declined to put forward a candidate.
 
Sinn Féin MEP Matt Carthy will be voting against the new team
 
Out words: are facing
 
Dur: 00:33

Carthy says Beef Taskforce needs to get up and running

 

Sinn Féin MEP Matt Carthy says all injunctions on farmers need to be lifted so the Beef Taskforce can get up and running.

His comments come following today’s unofficial protest in Dublin city centre.

The MEP for Midlands-North-West says he’s disappointed at what he calls the failure of the Agriculture Minister to grasp issues raised during demonstrations over the summer.

He says the Taskforce needs to meet to find solutions

 

Out words: are facing

Dur: 00:22

Carthy calls for consultation to deal with lead bullet ban

Sinn Féin MEP Matt Carthy is calling for a national consultation process to deal with a proposed EU ban on the use of lead-based ammunition.

It’s believed the move would make over 100,000 shotguns in Ireland obsolete.

Matt Carthy says there’s been no real interaction with farmers about implementing the changes. 

He says the Government has remained silent on the matter

 

Out words: good enough

Dur: 00:34

Kelleher warns trade deal will lead to Amazon deforestation

Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher says rainforests in South America shouldn’t be chopped down to produce more beef for Europe.

Earlier this year, the EU agreed a trade deal with the Mercosur countries of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay.

However, opposition to the agreement is growing following rainforest destruction in the Amazon.

Billy Kelleher says a different approach is needed  

 

Out words: to go

Dur: 00:33

 

MEPs to vote on “climate emergency“

Climate change takes centre stage at the European Parliament’s plenary session in Strasbourg this week.

MEPs are due to vote on whether to declare a climate and environmental emergency.

Another resolution calls on the EU to submit its strategy to reach climate neutrality by 2050.

The votes come ahead of the COP25 Climate Change Conference in Madrid next week.

Green Party MEP for Ireland South Grace O’Sullivan says action must follow:

 

Out words: take action 

Dur: 00:32

Kelly warns EU vote will end winter fuel payments

Winter fuel payments could be scrapped next year if MEPs back a vote in the European Parliament this week.

That’s according to the Fine Gael MEP Seán Kelly who is calling for “responsible decision making” ahead of several resolutions to tackle climate change.

Seán Kelly says he supports efforts to reduce carbon emissions but the long-term consequences need to examined carefully.

He’s also raising concerns about workers in the peat industry

Out words: as possible

Dur: 00:37

Strasbourg seat needs a rethink – Grace O’Sullivan

Green MEP Grace O’Sullivan says her party is looking at ways to centralise the work of the European Parliament.

She was speaking in Strasbourg where MEPs meet once a month for plenary sessions.

There have been fresh calls to keep politicians in Brussels as part of efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

Ireland South MEP Grace O’Sullivan says it makes sense 

Out words: two weeks

Dur: 00:32

 

Kelleher calls for common sense in US-EU trade row

Billy Kelleher says the US-EU trade row is hitting Irish products like Kerrygold butter and liqueurs in the run up to Christmas.

A range of European goods are now subject to a 25 per cent tariff by the United States following a WTO ruling.

MEPs have been discussing the fallout at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Fianna Fáil’s Billy Kelleher says it’s already having an impact on the Irish dairy sector:

Out words: European union

Dur: 00:27