EuroParlRadio

Big financial issues to be ‘closed off’ before European elections – Hayes

The European Parliament is under pressure to close off on major financial issues before next year’s European elections. That’s according to the Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes, who was recently appointed as the first Vice-Chair of the Parliament’s Economic and Monetary affairs (ECON) Committee.

The Dublin MEP says there are about five major financial areas that have to be resolved before next May’s European elections.

Out words: European Union

Dur: 00:33

Ni Riada warns on everyday use of damaging plastic products

We all need to be more mindful of the kinds of plastic products we use everyday such as cotton buds and straws.

That’s the warning from the Sinn Fein MEP Liadh Ni Riada who was reacting to EU moves to introduce a range of measures to tackle the mountain of plastic waste that’s destroying our environment and seas. 

Last Thursday MEPs voted to ban micro-plastics in cosmetics and cleaning products by 2020. They also called for the establishment of EU wide quality standards for recycled plastics. The Parliament is also proposing a range of incentives to collect marine litter at sea and they want a complete EU ban on oxo-degradable plastic by 2020.

Liadh Ni Riada says new EU rules on plastic are desperately needed.   

Out words: about it

Dur: 00:31

Raw audio – Boylan on Catalan political prisoners

Eamonn Torsney talks to the Sinn Fein MEP Lynn Boylan about her visit last week (Friday 7/09) to Catalonia to talk to a number of political prisoners who were arrested during last year’s pro-independence protests in the Spanish region of Catalonia.

The Dublin MEP says the prisoners are facing what she’s calling “baseless accusations of rebellion and sedition” and that they have been “all but forgotten” by other EU countries including Ireland.

The interview starts off with Boylan’s references to the EPP Group which is the largest political group in the European Parliament.    

Out words: to do

Dur: 2:32

Charges against Catalan separatist prisoners “trumped up” – Boylan

Protesters who were imprisoned last year during Catalonia’s pro-independence demonstrations face up to forty years in prison on trumped up charges.

That’s according to the Sinn Fein MEP Lynn Boylan. She recently visited a number of political prisoners who were arrested during last year’s protests in the Spanish region of Catalonia.

The Dublin MEP says the prisoners are facing what she’s calling “baseless accusations of rebellion and sedition” and that they have been “all but forgotten” by other EU countries including Ireland.

Out words: year now

Dur: 00:28

FG MEP Sean Kelly on ending seasonal clock changes

Eamonn Torsney talks to the Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly about EU proposals to end the bi-annual clock changes in the EU.

This week in Strasbourg, the President of the European Parliament called for an end to the bi-annual time switch. During his annual State of the Union Address, Jean-Claude Juncker said clock-changing must stop.

The Commission is proposing to end seasonal clock changes in Europe by 2019.  Sean Kelly says the response of people to the EU consultation shows an overwhelming desire to discontinue seasonal clock changes.

Out words: the winter

Dur: 2:37

Majority of people want to end seasonal clock-changes – Kelly

The majority of people in the EU want to end the bi-annual clock change in March and October and their wishes should be acted on.

That’s the view of the Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly who was referring to an EU public consultation process that showed eighty four percent (84%) of respondents wanted to stop the seasonal time changes.

This week in Strasbourg, the President of the European Parliament called for an end to the bi-annual time switch. During his annual State of the Union Address, Jean-Claude Juncker said clock-changing must stop. The Commission is proposing to end seasonal clock changes in Europe by 2019.  

Sean Kelly says the response of people to the EU consultation shows an overwhelming desire to discontinue seasonal clock changes.

Out words: to have

Dur: 00:28

Support for Europe Wide Volunteer Scheme Backed by MEPs

Young Irish people are being encouraged to consider registering for the European Solidarity Corps.

It is a scheme that supports volunteers in areas including, health, the environment, disaster prevention and the integration of migrants and asylum seekers.

Accommodation and transport costs are provided to successful applicants for activities run by registered organisations.

Ireland South MEP, Deirdre Clune says those taking part can gain a lot of experience while learning about Europe:

Out words: as well

Dur: 30’

Ni Riada Welcomes European Parliament Fisheries Committee's Decision to Visit Cork

Ireland South MEP Liadh Ni Riada is welcoming the decision of the European Parliament’s Fisheries Committee to visit Cork.

A two day trip is planned next week which will take in City Hall, the English Market and Castletownbere.

The visiting delegation will hear the concerns of local fishermen.

Sinn Fein MEP Liadh Ni Riada says the management of stock after Brexit is a massive problem that needs to be addressed:

Out words: are massive

Dur: 26’

Opportunities for Young People to Volunteer Across Europe

The European Parliament has given its support to a scheme aimed at supporting young people to volunteer across Europe.

The European Solidarity Corp sees people aged between eighteen and thirty volunteer to work in areas such as the environment, education and the integration of migrants.

Support is offered to those taking part in the scheme, while MEPs insisted a clear distinction is made between volunteering and job placement.

Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune says it is beneficial in a number of ways:

Out words: two years

Dur: 35’

Interview - Sean Kelly Welcomes Strong Commitment to Ireland in State of the Union Address

Sean Kelly discusses the assurances over Brexit delivered in the State of the Union address by the President of the European Commission.

It was delivered by Jean-Claude Juncker at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Speaking to Irish Journalist Eamonn Torsney, the Ireland South MEP says work is continuing to find a practical solution to the border post-Brexit

Out words: around that

Dur: 1” 59’