EuroParlRadio

Taoiseach likely to be quizzed on Brexit by MEPs - Kelly

The Taoiseach is likely to be pressed for his views on Brexit when he addresses the European Parliament in Strasbourg tomorrow. Mr Varadkar will debate the future of Europe with MEPs. His address will be the first in a series of debates on the future of Europe between EU government leaders and MEPs. The Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly says the Taoiseach is likely to reinforce Ireland’s position on Brexit.

Out words: that tomorrow

Dur: 00:27

Taoiseach to address European Parliament tomorrow – Kelly

The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will address the European Parliament tomorrow morning. Mr Varadkar will debate the future of Europe with MEPs. His address will be the first in a series of debates on the future of Europe between EU government leaders and MEPs. The Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly says the Taoiseach will also take questions from MEPs during the debate.

Out words: talks go

Dur: 00:37

MEPs push for cross-border access to online programmes – Kelly

Now if you travel abroad and would like to access your favourite radio and television news and current affairs programmes from back home then there’s some good news on that for you. The European Parliament this week gave the green light to starting talks with EU governments on new rules that would make it easier for broadcasters to make their news programmes available online. At the moment broadcasters have to clear copyright in every country they make news and current affairs programmes available online. With the proposed new rules, they would only need to clear the rights in their own country. The Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly says it’s a move in the right direction.

Out words: infringing that

Dur: 00:35

Controversial additives in Kebabs get green light – European Parliament

The use of controversial additives in kebabs can now be allowed following a vote in the European Parliament this week. A resolution opposing the authorisation of phosphate additives in kebab meat failed to win an absolute majority of votes in Strasbourg yesterday. As a result the use of phosphoric acid and other phosphates and polyphosphates (E 338-452) in kebab meats can now be allowed. The European Commission says phosphates are needed in order to bind pieces of meat together so that they can cook on a spit. However, the Sinn Fein MEP Lynn Boylan, who’s a member of the European Parliament’s public health and food safety committee, has concerns about the impact of phosphate additives on people’s health 

Out words: strict regulations

Dur: 00:43

Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes on PESCO

The Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes talks to EuroParlRadio about PESCO – the deepening defence cooperation among EU Member States that Ireland signed up to on 7 December. The aim of PESCO (Permanent Structured Cooperation) is to deepen defence cooperation amongst EU Member States who are capable and willing to do so. And its goal is to jointly develop defence capabilities and make them available for EU military operations. 

European Parliament endorses closer defence ties – Hayes

EU member states moved closer toward establishing a defence union this week, after the European Council adopted the creation of a new European defence and security cooperation network known as PESCO. The aim of PESCO is to deepen defence cooperation amongst EU Member States who are capable and willing to do so. And its goal is to jointly develop defence capabilities and make them available for EU military operations. Yesterday the European Parliament voted for closer EU defence ties and a stronger EU foreign and defence policy. Speaking in Strasbourg, the Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes says he’s happy that Ireland has signed up to PESCO. However critics of PESCO say it will lead to a European army. Here’s Brian Hayes.  

Out words: right now.

Dur: '24

PESCO will allow Irish army to learn from EU neighbours – Hayes

EU leaders meeting in Brussels today and tomorrow are expected to welcome the launch of the PESCO agreement on greater cooperation on security and defence issues. Last week the Government and Fianna Fail voted for Ireland to sign up to PESCO which stands for permanent structured cooperation. The aim of PESCO is to pool resources and enhance the effectiveness of member states’ defence forces for missions under the EU’s common security and defence policy. Critics of the vote say it compromises Irish neutrality. However, the Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes, believes PESCO is a good initiative.

Out words: to do.

Dur: '39

Phase two of Brexit deal will take a long time – Hayes

EU leaders are meeting in Brussels today for their December summit. The Brexit negotiations will feature on their agenda as they get set to begin the second phase of Brexit talks. Yesterday MEPs in Strasbourg backed a resolution calling on EU leaders to move on to the second phase of the Brexit negotiations. The UK is set to formally leave the EU in March 2019. However, the Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes believes it will be impossible for both sides to have reached a deal by then.

Out words: final text.

Dur: '24

 

Phase 2 Brexit talks will be long & complicated – Hayes

EU leaders meeting in Brussels today are expected to adopt draft guidelines to move to the second phase of Brexit negotiations. Yesterday the European Parliament backed a resolution calling on EU leaders to move on to stage two of the Brexit talks. However, MEPs are insisting that the negotiations can only progress if the UK government fully respects the commitments it gave in the EU-UK Joint Report agreed last week and that it fully translates them into a draft withdrawal agreement. The Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes says we shouldn’t underestimate the challenges ahead when it comes to the next round of Brexit negotiations.  

Out words: to see

Dur: 00:35

Ireland needs long transitional arrangement post Brexit – Hayes

After briefing MEPs yesterday (Wednesday 13th) in Strasbourg, the EU Chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier will attend an EU summit in Brussels today (Thursday 14th) where it's expected he'll EU leaders he believes 'sufficient progress' has been made to move on to phase two of the Brexit talks. However the Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes, says more clarity is still needed from the UK on what they actually want. And he’s warning, Ireland needs a long transitional Brexit arrangement to be put in place to give certainty to Irish businesses and consumers.

Out words: in March

Dur: '40