EuroParlRadio

MEP urges resolution of barriers to e-commerce

Concerns Irish businesses have about engaging in e-commerce and other online business activities must be addressed. That was one of the pieces of advice from the European Parliament in Strasbourg this week [Sept '14]. The Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly says Ireland has a tech savvy population who see the benefits of e-commerce. However he says they have real concerns about the protection of online data, the use of e-signatures and the ability to get complaints dealt with online. Mr Kelly told EuroParlRadio that these issues are putting off businesses from engaging in e-commerce activities. 

Interview with European Parliament Vice President Mairead McGuinness

The Fine Gael MEP Mairead McGuinness, who is a Vice-President of the European Parliament spoke to EuroParlRadio's Karen Coleman about being appointed as a Children's Rights mediator by the Parliament. 

Irish MEP gets mediation role in child-parent disputes – European Parliament

The European Parliament has asked the Fine Gael MEP Mairead McGuinness to mediate on its behalf in the area of Children’s Rights. Ms McGuinness may be asked to mediate in cases of child abduction or child custody cases where one of the parents lives in a different European Member State from the other. Ms McGuinness was recently appointed a vice president of the European Parliament and she has been given these extra responsibilities as a result of that appointment. 

McGuinness appointed Children’s Rights Mediator – European Parliament

The Fine Gael MEP Mairead McGuinness has been given the role of Children’s Rights Mediator for the European Parliament [Sept '14]. Ms McGuinness was recently appointed a Vice President of the Parliament and so was given extra responsibilities. She explains to EuroParlRadio what her new role will entail.  

Tackle barriers to EU digital single market - Kelly

Removing barriers to a digital single market must be a priority to support EU businesses and consumers. This is the opinion of the Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly.The digital single market aims to create new opportunities through e-commerce, facilitate administrative and financial compliance for businesses and increase the online power of customers. Speaking from the European Parliament [Sept '14] Mr Kelly said small and rural businesses could especially benefit from an EU digital single market resulting in a much wider customer base. However Mr Kelly also warned that obstacles like unequal application of EU regulations and directives had to be dealt with. 

Interview Independent MEP Marian Harkin on EU Youth Jobs Initiative

The Independent MEP Marian Harkin speaks to EuroParlRadio's Owen Stafford about the EU's initiative for young people who are unemployed. The interview took place in the European Parliament during its September 2014 plenary session. 

MEP urges young jobless to become entrepreneurs

Young people who’re unemployed should think about becoming entrepreneurs and setting up their own business. That’s the advice from the Independent MEP Marian Harkin. She was speaking in the European Parliament where MEPs debated the pros and cons of the European Youth Initiative. It’s supposed to guarantee young people under 30 a job or some kind of education or apprenticeship within four months of becoming unemployed. But Marian Harkin says the scheme won’t be able to provide enough jobs for all of the unemployed young people in Europe. 

EU youth jobs initiative underfunded with mixed reactions – Harkin

An EU project to help young people find jobs is underfunded and is receiving mixed reaction on the ground. That’s according to the Independent MEP Marian Harkin. She was speaking in the European Parliament in Strasbourg where MEPs debated the European Youth Initiative. It’s supposed to guarantee young people under 30 a job or some kind of education or apprenticeship within four months of becoming unemployed. But Marian Harkin says the scheme is receiving mixed reaction in Ireland where a pilot Youth Initiative scheme is being rolled on.

 

Interview Mairead McGuinness on Scottish independence referendum

The Fine Gael MEP Mairead McGuinness who is a Vice-President of the European Parliament talks to EuroParlRadio's Karen Coleman about the Scottish referendum on independence. Ms McGuinness was speaking during the September 2014 plenary session in Strasbourg. 

Scottish referendum – a lesson that EU must listen to– McGuinness

It’s still not clear what will happen to Scotland’s membership of the EU if it votes for independence. The referendum has been a topic of much discussion among MEPs in the European Parliament this week [Sept '14]. The Fine Gael MEP Mairead McGuinness says the Scottish vote will lead to change in the EU regardless of the outcome.