EuroParlRadio

MEPs call for better compensation for Thalidomide survivors

The European Parliament today called for better compensation for victims of the Thalidomide drug scandal. It’s over fifty years since the Thalidomide tragedy in which a German-made morning sickness pill for pregnant women caused deformities in their babies. Yet despite the widespread condemnation of the drug, survivors are still fighting for fair compensation in some countries. MEPs today urged the European Commission and EU countries to coordinate their actions to ensure those affected by the drug are properly supported. The Sinn Fein MEP Lynn Boylan now explains.

Out words: even more

Dur: 00:38

MEP urges Dublin local authorities to use EU funds for free wifi – Hayes

Local authorities should use EU funds to roll out free wifi in public parks and other public spaces. That’s the advice from the Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes. He says they should avail of a new one hundred and fifty million EU fund (150m) to encourage greater development of digital facilities. The Dublin MEP says the EU Commission fund will be available on a first come first serve basis.

Out words: better way

Dur: 00:37

Thalidomide survivors deserve better support – Harkin

Survivors of the Thalidomide drug scandal need better support and compensation. That’s the view of the Independent MEP Marian Harkin who was speaking in the European Parliament in Strasbourg. MEPs today voted on a resolution calling for better support for Thalidomide survivors. Thalidomide was used in the late 1950s and early 1960s as a morning sickness drug before it turned out to have severe side-effects on pregnant women and their unborn babies. Marian Harkin says the Parliament wants to ensure those Thalidomide survivors who are still alive are properly compensated.

Out words: health needs

Dur: 00:25

MEPs call for EU-wide support for Thalidomide victims

The European Parliament today called for EU-wide support for Thalidomide victims. Thalidomide was used in the late 1950s and early 1960s as a morning sickness pill in various European countries before it turned out to have severe side-effects on pregnant women. And babies were born with severe malformations. The Independent MEP Marian Harkin says those survivors of the Thalidomide scandal who are still alive today, need all the support they can get.

Out words: of support

Dur: 00:30

‘Good’ and ‘bad’ in EU fisheries deal – Ni Riada

MEPs in the European Parliament have been reacting to this week’s deal on fishing quotas for next year. Ireland secured nearly quarter of a million tonnes (233,500) of quota for 2017 said to be worth around two hundred and eighty million(€280m). The Sinn Fein MEP Liadh Ni Riada welcomed the deal but she also sounded caution about some aspects of it.

Out words: that funding

Dur: 00:33

Brexit already impacting fishing negotiations – Ni Riada

The Sinn Fein MEP Liadh Ni Riada says Brexit is already beginning to have an impact on the fishing industry here. The Ireland South MEP was referring to this week’s EU fisheries negotiations in Brussels. Ireland secured an increase in quotas for a number of fish stock including mackerel and blue whiting. However according to Ms Ni Riada, Ireland will lose a valuable ally in the UK when it comes to ensuring certain fishing concessions under the Hague Preferences. The Hague Preferences recognise the needs of coastal regions that are particularly dependent on fishing. But Ms Ni Riada says Brexit means Ireland will no longer be able to enjoy British support when it comes to attempts by other EU countries to undermine the Hague Preferences.

Out words: of Brexit

Dur: 00:37

Hayes calls for ‘beefing up’ of Irish presence in Brussels for Brexit – Hayes

The Dublin MEP Brian Hayes is calling for increased Irish resources in Brussels to deal with future Brexit negotiations. Mr Hayes is warning there can be no bilateral negotiations between Ireland and the UK and that the Brexit deals will have to be done in Brussels with the other 27 EU countries. He says the Irish presence in the EU capital will have to be beefed up in order to handle future Brexit negotiations.

Out words: message across

Dur: 00:30

Ireland can’t negotiate Brexit bilaterally with Britain – Hayes

Ireland can’t conduct bilateral negotiations with Britain on Brexit but must do so through Brussels. That’s the warning from the Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes who says the negotiations with the UK will have to be done in Brussels involving the other 27 EU member countries. Mr Hayes was speaking in the European Parliament in Strasbourg where Brexit once again was on the agenda this week.

Out words: the twenty seven

Dur: 00:34

Interview Matt Carthy on Adams/Stack controversy

The Sinn Fein MEP Matt Carthy talks to EuroParlRadio's Karen Coleman about the Adams/Stack controversy. 

Out words: judicial process 

Dur: 5:08 

 

Carthy stands by Adams on Stack controversy

The Sinn Fein MEP Matt Carthy says he has no reason not to believe Gerry Adams’s version of events surrounding the Brian Stack murder controversy. Gerry Adams has claimed that he emailed the Garda Commissioner the names of people who may have had information about Brian Stack’s murder. Mr Adams has said the names were given to him by Brian Stack’s son Austin. However, Austin Stack denies giving Mr Adams any names. Here’s Matt Carthy.

Out words: judicial process

Dur: 00:40