EuroParlRadio

Ukip MEP suggests Ireland joins Britain’s Brexit with Irexit

A British MEP from the UK Independence Party has suggested it might be a good thing for Ireland to follow Britain’s Brexit move. During a debate on corporate taxation policies in the European Parliament last night, the Ukip MEP David Coburn made the suggestion when he addressed the Independent MEP Marian Harkin.

Out words: with Irexit

Dur: 00:14 

EU pushes for common consolidated corporate tax base – Hayes

The European Commissioner for tax policies has outlined the EU Commission’s plans for a common consolidated corporate tax base. Last night Pierre Moscovici told MEPs in the European Parliament that the EU was closer to a fair effective tax policy in the EU. He said all businesses big or small will pay their taxes where they are making their profits and creating wealth. The Commissioner outlined EU proposals for a common consolidated corporate tax base. The Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes explained what a CCCTB would actually mean.

Out words: in Ireland

Dur: 00:35

MEPs hear EU Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base plans – Hayes

MEPs in the European Parliament have been reacting to EU plans for a common consolidated corporate tax base. Last night the EU Commissioner Pierre Moscovici (EU Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs, Taxation and Customs) presented the Commission’s new corporate tax proposals. The package includes proposals for a common consolidated corporate tax base.  A CCCTB is supposed to give companies operating in the EU a single set of rules for calculating their taxable profits. The Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes says a common corporate tax base would not encroach on Ireland’s own corporate tax rate.

Out words: not benefit

Dur: 00: 40

CETA summit still possible – Tusk tells European Parliament

The President of the European Council Donald Tusk has said tomorrow’s planned summit on the EU-Canada trade deal CETA is still possible. But he said, it’s up to the Belgians to decide on Belgium’s position. Mr Tusk was speaking to the European Parliament this morning. Last week the regional parliament of Wallonia in Belgium rejected the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement amid claims it gives too much power to global corporate interests and that it’s bad for Europe’s farmers. The Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was supposed to formally sign the deal in Brussels tomorrow. 

Out words: still possible

Dur: 00:31 

Disabled & elderly to get easier access to websites & online public services – Ni Riada

Disabled and elderly people should be able to access data and information about public services on the internet as easily as everyone else in the future. The European Parliament today (Wednesday) voted on what’s called the web accessibility directive. It will mean the websites and mobile applications (apps) of public administrations and other public bodies such as hospitals and courts should be accessible to everyone including those with visual impairments. The Sinn Fein MEP Liadh Ni Riada says these online services should be available to everyone.  

Out words: welcome

Dur: 00:25 

CETA deal could leave Ireland vulnerable to being sued – Harkin

A group of MEPs in the European Parliament wants to get the European Court of Justice to check the viability of the EU-Canada trade deal known as CETA. They’re concerned about an element within the deal that centres on an investment court system. It’s supposed to settle disputes between states and foreign investors but critics say it could be used by multinationals to dictate public policies. Last week a regional Belgian parliament rejected the CETA deal that was supposed to have been signed this week. Marian Harkin says there have been plenty of cases in the past where companies have sued countries because of policies they’ve implemented that damaged their businesses. 

Out words: hugely significant

Dur: 00:38 

EU-Canada trade deal’s investor court system ‘crazy’ – Harkin

The Independent MEP Marian Harkin says she would not vote for the current EU-Canada trade known as CETA. The Midlands North-West MEP is opposed to an element within the current deal that centres on an investor court system mechanism to settle disputes between states and foreign investors. Critics say it could be used by multinationals to dictate public policies. Marian Harkin says that mechanism has to be removed from the CETA deal for it to be acceptable.    

Out words: for investors

Dur: 00:35 

BACKGROUND

The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement was due to be formally signed this week at a summit in Brussels. But those plans were scuppered when the regional Belgian parliament of Wallonia recently voted against the deal. Belgium’s federal government needs the consent of its five regional authorities, including French-speaking Wallonia to agree to the deal.

Brexit means less money for EU budget – Ni Riada

The drop in value of Sterling because of Brexit fears means less money for the EU budget and that will have knock-on effects on Ireland. That’s the warning from the Sinn Fein MEP Liadh Ni Riada. The European Parliament will this week adopt its position on next year’s EU budget. MEPs are set to demand more funds to help young people into jobs and to boost economic growth. However, Liadh Ni Riada says the recent slide in Sterling’s value means the British will pay less contributions into the EU budget.

Out words: the EU

Dur: 00:34 

MEP dismisses Belgian fears over Ceta deal – Kelly

The Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly says Belgian concerns about an EU trade deal with Canada are unfounded. Mr Kelly was referring to the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement CETA which has been years in the making. Last week the regional parliament of Wallonia in Belgium rejected the deal amid claims it gives too much power to global corporate interests and that it’s bad for Europe’s farmers. The Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was supposed to formally sign the deal on Thursday at a summit in Brussels. However, it’snot clear now if the summit will go ahead. Belgium’s federal government needs the consent of its five regional authorities, including French-speaking Wallonia to agree to the deal. Sean Kelly says the deal will mean greater trade opportunities for Europe.  

Out words: concerned about

Dur: 00:30 

Belgian blocking of Canadian Trade Deal ‘embarrassment’ – Kelly

The decision by a regional Belgian parliament to block the EU Canadian Trade Deal has been described as an embarrassment. The Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly says the blocking of the Ceta deal by Belgium’s Wallonia region makes no sense. The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, which has been in the pipeline for seven years, was due to be signed into being this week. However, Belgium needs Walloon support to agree to the trade deal. And now, it’s unclear if Ceta will actually happen. Here’s Sean Kelly. 

Out words: European Union

Dur: 00:35