EuroParlRadio

Exclusive: “Fionn Wallace is highly qualified for the job” – Clare Daly

Dublin MEP Clare Daly says she hired the son of her political colleague because he’s highly qualified for the job.

It emerged today that she took on Fionn Wallace as a parliamentary assistant in the European Parliament.

His father Mick is an MEP for Ireland South and has worked closely with Daly for years.

MEPs are banned from employing close relatives for parliamentary roles.

Clare Daly doesn’t see what the fuss is all about

Out words: by me

Dur: 0:50

Hogan should get important portfolio – Billy Kelleher

Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher believes Phil Hogan should get an important portfolio if confirmed as Ireland’s Commissioner for another five years.

The Taoiseach is putting his name forward again despite calls from the incoming European Commission President for both a male and a female nominee.

 Billy Kelleher says Phil Hogan is well thought of in the EU

Out words: commissionership

Dur: 0:30

Farmers will be ‘up in arms’ over EU gun ban – Matt Carthy

The Irish Government needs to step in and block moves by the EU to ban the use of lead-based ammunition.

That’s the view of Sinn Féin MEP Matt Carty who says it would make over 100,000 shotguns in Ireland obsolete.

It’s understood the move is centered around lead contamination.

Matt Carthy says it would be costly for farmers

Out words: to steel

Dur: 0:35

Cuffe asks if scrapping clock changes will save energy

Energy consumption and safety should be key factors when it comes to scrapping seasonal clock changes.

That’s according to Green MEP Ciarán Cuffe who was reacting to the Government’s decision to oppose the move.

The EU wants to see an end to the practice but there are fears it could lead to different time zones on the island of Ireland.

Ciarán Cuffe says we need more information

Out words:  look at it

Dur: 0:31

Hogan nomination separate to Mercosur – Billy Kelleher

The nomination of Phil Hogan for a second term as EU Commissioner is a separate matter to the Mercosur deal.

That’s the view of Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher.

The outgoing Commissioner for Agriculture has been criticised by some farmers who fear the draft trade deal could wipe out the beef sector.

But Billy Kelleher says it doesn’t mean he should stand aside

Out words:  way to go

Dur: 0:39

EU must bring in higher standards for urban air quality – Ciarán Cuffe

Green MEP Ciarán Cuffe wants the EU to introduce higher standards for urban air quality.

The Parliament is today discussing clean air zones in European cities.

It comes after the EPA warned last week that air pollution in parts of Dublin posed a health risk.

Ciarán Cuffe says it’s time to act

Out: to act

Dur: 0:26

Mercosur deal is “bad timing” – Seán Kelly

Fine Gael MEP Seán Kelly says farmers have suffered hugely and the draft EU-Mercosur deal is “bad timing”.

It’s feared the Irish beef sector will lose out as cheaper cuts are imported into the EU from South America.

Last week, the Dáil rejected the proposals in a symbolic vote.

Seán Kelly says it’s important that we look at the consequences of the deal before making any decisions

Out words: right now

 

Dur: 0:41

Government to oppose EU plan to end seasonal clock changes

The Government is expected to oppose plans by the EU to end the twice-yearly clock changes.

Earlier this year, MEPs voted to abolish the practice from 2021.

However, the Government is concerned that it could lead to two time zones on the island of Ireland post Brexit.

Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher agrees

 

Out words: the morning

 

Dur: 0:37

Europe is united behind Ireland on Brexit – Frances Fitzgerald

Fine Gael MEP Frances Fitzgerald says Ireland has the support of the majority of the European Parliament when it comes to Brexit.

Yesterday the incoming President of the European Commission said one of her priorities in the negotiations is maintaining peace on the island.

Frances Fitzgerald says she was impressed by the comments from Ursula von der Leyen and the response from others

 

Out words: you’d expect

 

Dur: 0:31

Incoming EU Commission President is more of the same – Matt Carthy

Ursula von der Leyen is not the right person to lead Europe according to Sinn Féin MEP Matt Carthy.

MEPs narrowly backed the former German Defence Minister as the next EU Commission President yesterday.

She will take up the job in the Autumn.

Matt Carthy voted against her nomination:

Out words: European army

Dur: 0:36