EuroParlRadio

Apple €13billion tax rebate ‘populist nonsense’ – Kelly

The Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly has rubbished suggestions that Ireland could legitimately claim back €13billion (thirteen billion euro) from Apple in back taxes.  Mr Kelly was reacting to the recent EU Commission ruling that Ireland granted Apple illegal tax benefits and that the multinational owed a whopping €13billion plus interest to the Irish State. The ruling will be debated by the European Parliament tomorrow. However, Sean Kelly says there’s no way Ireland would be entitled to a €13bn (thirteen billion) tax rebate.

Out words: it is

Dur: 00:30

 

EU set for new Transatlantic data transfer rules – Clune

The EU Commission is set to sign off on a new data transfer arrangement between the EU and the US. The EU’s Privacy Shield is to provide a legal basis for businesses to transfer online personal data from the EU to the US. Privacy Shield was established after the previous arrangement, known as Safe Harbour ,was struck down following a challenge from the Austrian privacy campaigner Max Schrems. He had challenged the use of his personal online data in Ireland.  Critics have said the new Privacy Shield arrangement is not robust enough. But the Fine Gael MEP Deirdre Clune argues a number of measures are now in place for better data protection.

Out words: we didn’t

Dur:  00:36

 

Interview with Sinn Fein MEP Lynn Boylan on energy drinks 'alertness' claims

EuroParlRadio's Karen Coleman talks to the Sinn Fein MEP Lynn Boylan about misleading claims on labels of energy drinks and other food and drinks products. On Thursday July 7th the European Parliament vetoed EU Commission plans to allow claims that sugary drinks and energy drinks containing caffeine boost "alertness" or "concentration". 

Out words: of products 

Dur: 3:08 

 

European Parliament vetoes energy drink “alertness” claims

EU Commission plans to allow claims that sugary drinks and energy drinks containing caffeine boost “alertness” or “concentration” were vetoed by the European Parliament today (Thursday). Displaying these claims on drinks cans would have led to higher sugar consumption among adolescents, who are the largest group of energy drink consumers, MEPs said in their resolution.  According to the European Parliament a 250ml can of energy drink can contain up to 27g of sugar and 80mg of caffeine. The Sinn Fein MEP Lynn Boylan says the rules around food labelling need to be improved.  

Out words: of products

Dur: 00:31 

Dail must ratify Canadian trade agreement CETA – Harkin

It’s essential the Dail and Seanad get to vote on the freshly negotiated EU trade agreement with Canada. The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, known as CETA, has taken eight (8) years to broker and the EU Commission is in the final stages of wrapping it up. This week the Commission gave a commitment that the agreement would also need to be ratified by National Parliaments. Marian Harkin says that’s essential as the trade agreement will have both a positive and negative impact for people in Ireland.

Out words: ratify it

Dur: 00:43 

Ni Riada on Sinn Fein’s Summer School this weekend

Sinn Fein’s summer school starts tomorrow (Friday) in Ballyvourney. The Sinn Fein MEP, Liadh ni Riada says they have organised a packed schedule, with an array of speakers for the event. The Ireland South MEP will be making her way back from the European Parliament in Strasbourg today to attend tomorrow's opening. 

Out words: please do

Dur: 00:37 

MEPs call for better energy efficiency ratings of home appliances

The European Parliament is calling for a tougher A to G rating scale showing the energy efficiency of household appliances like fridges and washing machines. Most appliances on the market now meet class A requirements with an increasing number of pluses being added (A+, A++, A+++). But, in a vote this week, MEPs have called for stricter ratings to further improve energy efficiencies. The Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly says this will help reduce harmful greenhouse gases and it will lower people’s energy bills.  

Out words: be lower

Dur: 00:39 

Ireland can make new EU allies post Brexit – Hayes

Britain’s future departure from the EU will mean the exit of a powerful ally of Ireland’s. Over the years both the UK and Ireland have had similar stances on some major economic issues in the EU. But with every loss comes an opportunity. So says the Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes who believes Ireland can make new allies in the EU.

Out words: time ahead

Dur: 00:28 

Garda clearance should be ‘a given’ on Charity appointments – McGuinness

The Fine Gael MEP Mairead McGuinness says Garda clearance should be a given when vetting those being appointed to head charities. The Midlands North-West MEP was commenting on the scandals surrounding Console and its founder Paul Kelly. Back in 1990 Ms McGuinness reported on Mr Kelly for an RTE consumer programme.

Out words: right thing

Dur: 00:40

 

Blair should face war crimes trial – Boylan

The Sinn Fein MEP Lynn Boylan says the Chilcot report, which was published today, justifies putting Tony Blair on trial for alleged war crimes. The Chilcot report found that the invasion of Iraq in 2003 was based on “flawed intelligence and assessments” that went unchallenged.  The report concluded that the UK chose to join the invasion of Iraq before peaceful options for disarmament had been exhausted. And it said that military action at that time was not a last resort. Lynn Boylan says leaders like Tony Blair need to account for their actions.  

Out words: the electorate

Dur: 00:34