EuroParlRadio

European Parliament votes for common charger – O’Sullivan

MEPs today voted for a new law establishing a common charger for a whole range of mobile devices including phones, tablets, digital cameras and other portable electronics in the EU.

By the end of 2024, small and medium-sized portable electronic devices will have to be equipped with a USB Type-C charging port. The law is part of a broader effort to make products in the EU more sustainable, and to reduce electronic waste.

Green MEP Grace O’Sullivan says this is a good move for consumers and the environment.

Out words: twenty four

Dur: 00:12

MEPs vote to end ‘spaghetti’ of chargers – O’Sullivan

The European Parliament has voted to end the scourge of having different chargers for different mobile devices. They’ve approved a new law establishing a single charger for mobile phones, tablets and other portable electronics in the EU.

By the end of 2024, a whole range of small and medium-sized portable electronic devices, such as mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras and headphones, will have to be equipped with a USB Type-C charging port. This law is part of a broader effort to make products in the EU more sustainable, and to make our lives easier.

Green Party MEP Grace O’Sullivan says this is a welcome move for consumers.

Out words: very welcomed

Dur: 00:15

Palm oil deforestation faces EU ban

Cocoa, coffee and palm oil causing deforestation will be banned from Europe in future. The European Parliament this week voted through the draft law which demands products, also including chocolate, leather and furniture, can only be imported into the EU if they are proven to be ‘deforestation-free’. MEPs expanded the list of crops and goods to which the ban would apply. The final law will now be negotiated with ministers. It is estimated that the EU market is responsible for ten per cent of deforestation around the world.  Irish Green, Ciarán Cuffe, says a ban will help protect vulnerable habitats.  

 

Out words: For biodiversity

Dur: 0’23”

Ploughing Championships set farming future - Markey

Family farmer and Fine Gael MEP, Colm Markey, has spoken about the importance of the National Ploughing Championships. The championships start next week. It will be the first time the show is back in full since the covid pandemic. The Irish government has committed to a 25 per cent cut in greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture by 2030.  Colm Markey says that will be one of the major topics of conversation as farmers gather to see new technology and discuss and see what lies ahead.

Out words: These issues

Dur: 0’24”

Stimulus package may be needed to get through winter

The Irish government and the EU may need to put together a stimulus package to help businesses get through a “very difficult winter”, Billy Kelleher has suggested. The European Parliament today called for the EU to ensure companies become “competitive and clean” in the face of all the challenges. Fianna Fáil MEP says after Brexit and covid, and now the energy crisis, it is going to be tough. He says access to business loans, especially for SMEs, is going to be very important in the months ahead.

Out words: Difficult winter

Dur: 0’26”

Business bust without EU help - Clune

Many small and medium-sized businesses in Ireland will go bust without help through the energy crisis – that’s the warning from Deirdre Clune. MEPs have this morning been debating how to improve Europe’s competitiveness. Speaking in the chamber in Strasbourg a short time ago, Fine Gael MEP, Deirdre Clune, said SMEs have only just come through a difficult time with covid, now, with sky-high energy bills, they need support once again.

Out words: Accessing funding  

Dur: 0’16”

Mental health priority for our generation - Walsh

Ireland should be ready to be represented on a citizens panel on mental health – that’s according to Maria Walsh. The Midlands North West MEP believes that the EU is planning to set up a panel of 200 people from across the European Union to shape mental health policy. Maria Walsh says Ireland is not investing enough in an area which is particularly important for young people.

Out words: 12 per cent

Dur: 0’18”

“Phenomenal” EU backs metal health - Walsh

A pledge for an EU focus on mental health has been welcomed by one of our Midlands North West MEPs. In her State of the Union address this week, the President of the European Commission promised a new initiative on mental health. Ursula von der Leyen said mental health support should be “accessible and affordable”. A report last year by the Irish Hospital Consultants Association reportedly found that nearly one-third of consultant psychiatrist posts were vacant, and the number of acute adult mental health beds in Ireland had fallen by three-quarters in the last 15 years. Midlands North West MEP, Maria Walsh, says the EU spotlight will make a difference.

Out words: Ready to go

Dur: 0’21”

Brexit deal window opening - Andrews

The EU and UK have an opportunity to sort out the Northern Ireland protocol in the coming weeks, says Fianna Fáil MEP, Barry Andrews. The UK was expected to respond to EU legal threats by today’s deadline, but is likely to signal just a continuation of existing grace periods. Meanwhile, the days of mourning for the death of the Queen ends next week and the British government is expected to return to business. Dublin MEP, Barry Andrews, sits on the UK-EU Parliamentary Assembly and has been following developments closely. He expects talks to restart with the hope of finally resolving outstanding issues.

Out words: Both sides

Dur: 0’23”

Fitzgerald welcomes EU support for SMEs

Frances Fitzgerald has welcomed new EU support for Irish businesses. The President of the European Commission has pledged to create an “SME Relief Package” to help companies through the difficult economic times ahead. The EU would aim to create a “single set of tax rules” to help Irish business trade with their European counterparts and to cut red tape. Frances Fitzgerald says she will watch the tax developments carefully, but believes the sign of help for businesses is encouraging.

 

Out words: Different countries

Dur: 0’21”