EuroParlRadio

Huge ‘burden of proof’ on EU Commission to prove Apple ruling

The European Commission has a huge burdenof proof to make to support its ruling that Ireland granted Apple illegal tax benefits. That’s according to the Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes who was speaking in the European Parliament in Strasbourg.  This afternoon MEPs will debate the recent Apple tax ruling with the EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager. The Irish government and Apple are appealing the ruling and it will be up to the European Court of Justice to decide if the EU was right or wrong to find against Apple. Brian Hayes says the EU will need to provide strong evidence to prove its case.   

Out words: political process

Dur: 00:40 

€13billion Apple tax rebate ‘illogical’ - Hayes

The recent European Commission ruling that Apple should repay €13bn (thirteen billion euro) in taxes due plus interest to the Irish State is ‘illogical’.So says the Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes who was speaking in the European Parliament where the Apple tax ruling will be debated later today. 

Out words: of that

Dur: 00:41 

Ireland’s interests not being listened to on Brexit – Carthy

Ireland’s relationship with the UK – and the situation with Northern Ireland in particular - is being ignored when it comes to the Brexit negotiations. That’s according to the Sinn Fein MEP Matt Carthy who was speaking in the European Parliament. Mr Carthy’s comments followed the European Commission President’s State of the Union address to MEPs this morning. During his speech Mr Juncker referred to the Brexit vote and he warned that there would be no a la carte access to the Single Market. However, Matt Carthy says Mr Juncker’s views reflect a lack of understanding of the Irish situation.

Dur:  00:40 

Juncker warns EU committed to fighting tax evasion

The President of the European Commissionhas warned that every company whether big or small has to pay its taxes whereit makes its profits. Jean-Claude Juncker made these points during his annual State of the Union Address to the European Parliament this morning. Some MEPs laughed in the Chamber when he referred to the Commission’s efforts to fight tax evasion.

 

European Parliament to debate Apple tax ruling – Hayes

The recent Apple Tax ruling by the European Commission will be debated today in the European Parliament. The Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager – who announced the ruling - will be discussing her decision with MEPs. The Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes says there’s a danger the ruling will create unnecessary economic uncertainty in Europe.

Out words: for investment

Dur: 00:43 

European Ombudsman calls on EU Commission to thoroughly deal with Barroso appointment

The European Ombudsman Emily O’Reilly is calling on the European Commission to thoroughly deal with the appointment of a former Commission President to the banking giant Goldman Sachs. There was outrage in some quarters when Jose-Manuel Barroso was appointed as an adviser and non-executive chairman to Goldman Sachs. The European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has now referred the issue of Mr Barroso’s appointment to the Commission’s Ethics Committee. Ms O’Reilly says the appointment raises concerns about the ethics of someone who held a position of public trust moving to a major bank like Goldman Sachs.

Out words: they’re not

Dur: 00:30 

Barroso appointment to Goldman Sachs matter of public trust – O’Reilly

The European Ombudsman Emily O’Reilly says the appointment of the former EU Commission president Jose-Manuel Barroso to Goldman Sachs raises a number of ethical questions. Ms O’Reilly recently raised Barroso’s appointment with the current EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.This followed widespread concerns about Barroso’s appointment to Goldman Sachs as an adviser and non-executive chairman. Mr Juncker has now agreed to refer the matter to the European Commission’s Ethics Committee. Emily O’Reilly says Barroso’s appointment must be thoroughly dealt with by the Ethics Committee as it’s a matter of public trust. 

Out words: Goldman Sachs

Dur: 00:40 

‘Free the Lee’ campaign takes fight to Europe – Ni Riada

A campaign to better protect the Gearagh Woodland inCounty Cork is gaining ground at a European Level. That’s according to the Sinn Fein MEP Liadh Ni Riada who was commenting on the recent appearance of Cork man Kevin Corcoran before the European Parliament’s Petition Committee. Last week Mr Corcoran, who’s an environmentalist, spoke to the committee about concerns he has over plans for a windfarm in the Gearagh area. He’s claiming the project will have a serious impact on the protected habitat and he wants the EU to do something about it. The Gearagh is a unique alluvial forest with a rich habitat that lies in the Upper Lee Valley outside Macroom. Liadh Ni Riada is calling on the ESB, Cork County Council and other interested parties for a management plan for the Gearagh area.   

Out words: fantastic amenity

Dur: 00:40 

Ni Riada demands management plan for Gearagh forest

The Sinn Fein MEP Liadh Ni Riada is calling for a proper management plan for the Gearagh woodland in County Cork. The Gearagh is a unique alluvial forest with a rich habitat that lies on a stretch of the River Lee outside Macroom. Much of the forest was cleared in the 1950s to facilitate the ESB’s hydroelectric dams in the area. Last week Cork man Kevin Corcoran addressed the European Parliament’s Petition Committee about plans for a windfarm to be erected in the area. He’s claiming the project will have a serious impact on the protected habitat and he wants the EU to do something about it. Liadh Ni Riada says Mr Corcoran’s petition has highlighted the need for the ESB, Cork County Council and other interested bodies to have a proper plan for the area. 

Out words: we have

Dur: 00:34

 

‘Absolute folly’ not to challenge Apple Tax Ruling – Kelly

The recent EU Commission ruling on Apple’s tax arrangements with Ireland will be debated in the European Parliament tomorrow. The competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager will discuss the ruling with MEPs. A number of senior MEPs have already come out in support of the ruling. However the Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly says Ireland has no choice but to challenge the commission’s findings.

Out words: with it

Dur: 00:35