EuroParlRadio

Trump’s gag rule risking women’s lives – Boylan

The US President Donald Trump has threatened to withdraw US funding for NGOs that provide or promote abortion to women in developing countries. The so-called gag rule was first imposed by Ronald Regan in the eighties. Since its introduction, it has repeatedly been lifted by Democrats and reintroduced by Republicans. Donald Trump's decision to reintroduce the ban has led to strong reactions around the globe. This week the European Parliament debated the rule and some MEPs have called for the EU to help fund any deficits caused by it. The Sinn Fein MEP Lynn Boylan says the rule will lead to more women having backstreet abortions.

Out words: at risk

Dur: 00:17

EU Jobs for Irish-language translators – Kelly

There’s good news for Irish-speaking linguists who can interpret and translate EU proceedings into Irish. The Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly says the EU will be looking for a number of Irish-language interpreters who are also fluent in at least two other EU languages which can include English. He says it’s all part of a move to make Irish a full official language in the EU.

Out words: European Union

Dur: 00:30

Trump’s abortion gag rule under European Parliament spotlight – Boylan

The so-called global gag rule imposed by US President Donald Trump has been getting strong reaction from MEPs in the European Parliament. Under the rule, Trump has threatened to cut US public funding for NGOs who provide or promote abortion to women in developing countries. During a debate in the Parliament this week some MEPs called on the EU to step in and help fund any deficits caused by the rule. However other MEPs, who are against abortion, weren’t in favour of European intervention. The Sinn Fein MEP Lynn Boylan says the gag rule could actually push more women into having backstreet abortions.

Out words: a backstreet

Dur: 00:30

Sanctions against offensive sexist Polish MEP justified – Clune

The severe sanctions imposed on a Polish MEP for issuing offensive sexist remarks against women are fully justified. So says the Fine Gael MEP Deirdre Clune. The President of the European Parliament this week imposed unprecedented sanctions against the far right Polish MEP Janusz Korwin-Mikke. He caused uproar during a recent parliamentary debate when he said women must earn less than men because they are weaker, smaller and less intelligent. However the parliament was swift to retaliate and the penalties include losing his daily subsistence allowance for 30 days. He’s also been banned from representing the parliament for a year. Here’s Deirdre Clune.

Out words: good thing

Dur: 00:33

Carthy calls on all parties to set out United Ireland vision

The Sinn Fein MEP Matt Carthy is calling on all parties across the Island of Ireland to set out their policies on a United Ireland. The Midlands North-West MEP says the impact of Brexit is making a referendum on a United Ireland a much more real prospect. He’s welcomed Micheál Martin’s promise to publish a twelve point plan on strengthening economic, political and educational links between the Republic and Northern Ireland.

Out words: from that

Dur: 00:32

Partition of Ireland ‘stumbling block’ to full potential – Carthy

The Sinn Fein MEP Matt Carthy is calling for an all-Ireland debate on a future United Ireland. He was speaking in the European Parliament where Brexit and Nicola Sturgeon’s call for a second Scottish independence referendum have received much attention this week. The Midlands North-West MEP says the future withdrawal of the UK from the EU makes the prospect of a United Ireland much more pressing.

Out words: of Brexit

Dur: 00:41

Fraud in herbs & spices big business – Boylan

Now we know it can be hard to resist a delicious serving of fresh battered cod and chips from your local chippie. But how do you know you’re actually eating cod and that it’s not a cheaper white fish? Well that’s a dilemma the European Parliament is grappling with. They voted today for new EU plans to tighten up official food inspections to combat fraud in the food chain. According to the Sinn Fein MEP Lynn Boylan fish fraud is huge. And she says it’s also prevalent in the herbs and spices industry.

Out words: some sort

Dur: 00: 29

MEPs vote to clamp down on food fraud – Boylan

Attempts to curb food fraud moved a step forward today when the European Parliament backed EU plans to tighten up official food inspections from farm to fork. The new rules are supposed to improve food traceability, combat fraud and restore consumer trust in the integrity of the food chain. The Sinn Fein MEP Lynn Boylan says food fraud is a significant problem.

Out words: to tell

Dur: 00:36

Turkey’s spat with Netherlands making EU membership ‘impossible’ – Hayes

Today’s elections in the Netherlands are taking place against a backdrop of anti-immigration, anti-Islam and Eurosceptic sentiments. The populist politician Geert Wilders, who leads the Freedom Party, has pledged to close all mosques in the Netherlands, to ban the Koran and take the country out of the EU if he becomes leader. And the recent spat between the Netherlands and Turkey has only increased tensions. Turkish ministers were recently banned from addressing Turkish expats in the Netherlands ahead of a controversial referendum back home. The Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes says Turkey’s current behaviour is badly damaging its efforts to join the EU.

Out words: as well

Dur: 00:36

Interview Mairead McGuinness on Coast Guard tragedy

Karen Coleman talks to the Fine Gael MEP Mairead McGuinness about the Coast Guard tragedy and the loss of Captain Dara Fitzpatrick. 

Out words: are lost 

Dur: 3:02