EuroParlRadio

MEP on how Ireland can accommodate Ukraine refugees – Andrews

The Irish Red Cross has received thousands of offers from people in Ireland to provide accommodation for refugees fleeing Ukraine.  Millions may require shelter as the Russian onslaught on Ukraine continues.

The EU has now triggered the Temporary Protection Directive which is designed to provide assistance and protection to war refugees.  

Fianna Fail MEP Barry Andrews explains how Ireland might cope with potentially tens of thousands of refugees coming here.   

Out words: this response

Dur: 01:12

 

MEP on EU Temporary Protection for Ukraine refugees - Andrews

The Irish Red Cross has received thousands of offers from people in Ireland to provide accommodation for refugees fleeing Ukraine.  

Millions may require shelter as the Russian onslaught on Ukraine continues. The EU has now triggered the Temporary Protection Directive which is designed to provide assistance and protection to war refugees.  

Fianna Fail MEP Barry Andrews explains how Ireland might cope with potentially tens of thousands of refugees from Ukraine coming here.   

Out words: the burden

Dur: 00:19

Energy efficiency way to cut dependency on Russian gas & oil – Cuffe

A range of energy efficient measures can help EU countries reduce their reliance on Russia for oil and gas supplies.  So says Green MEP Ciarán Cuffe.

The EU’s over dependence on Russia for energy sources was debated in the European Parliament this week. Both the EU’s foreign policy chief and the Prime Minister of Estonia, warned MEPs the bloc has to cut its reliance on Russia for crucial energy supplies.

Ciarán Cuffe says this is “Europe’s moment” to move away from fossil fuels at a faster pace.

Out words: in Ireland

Dur:  00:14

Cutting dependence on Russian gas & oil can be done – Cuffe

EU countries can reduce their dependence on Russian gas and oil supplies by moving faster towards renewable energy sources.

That’s the view of Green MEP Ciarán Cuffe. The European Parliament this week debated Europe’s over-reliance on Russia for energy supplies. There were calls from MEPs, the European Commission and the Council to cut that dependency.

Ciarán Cuffe says it can be done and it should be viewed as a positive challenge.

Out words: faster pace

Dur:  00:22

MEPs call for “urgent” review of EU’s Food security – Markey

Fine Gael’s Colm Markey is one of a number of MEPs who’re calling for an “urgent” review of the EU’s approach to food security because of the war in Ukraine.

Members of the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee, have sent a letter to the European Commission calling for the review.

They say it’s particularly pressing for products most at risk of shortages because of the suspension of key Ukrainian exports.  

Colm Markey is on the Parliament’s Agriculture Committee.

Out words: as well

Dur: 00:38

MEP calls for postponement of farming climate targets – Markey

Fine Gael MEP Colm Markey is calling for a temporary postponement of some EU climate targets that farmers have to meet so that they can divert their efforts instead to ensuring food security in the EU .

He says the war in Ukraine may mean changing priority away from climate target policies embedded in the likes of CAP and Farm to Fork.

The Midlands North-West MEP was part of a European Parliament group that sent a letter to the European Commission yesterday calling for an “urgent” review of the EU’s approach to food security because of the war in Ukraine. The review is needed they say to reduce the EU’s dependence on imports and to increase domestic production.  

Here’s Colm Markey.  

Out words: food security

Dur: 00:19

Sanctions & war mean EU will “suffer” – Kelly

Measures will be needed as soon as possible to ensure the EU can deal with the fallout from the Russian war on Ukraine. So says Sean Kelly, Fine Gael MEP for Ireland South.  

This morning the EU’s foreign policy chief warned the EU and its citizens must make a collective effort to reduce their energy dependence on Russia. 

Sean Kelly says a “big logistical effort” will be required in Ireland to ensure farmers can produce the crops that may be needed during the crisis.

Out words: those countries

Dur: 00:30

Food security “a big worry” – Kelly

The EU’s foreign policy chief this morning warned the EU and its citizens must make a collective effort to reduce their energy dependence on Russia. 

Josep Borrell was speaking in the European Parliament during a debate on Europe’s security following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He told MEPs, Europe will have to be ready to pay the price in order to respond to Russia. 

Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly says rising costs and limited supplies of essential goods such as fuel and fertiliser will impact our food supply.  

Out words: war situation

Dur:  00:17

Ireland can have Ukraine peace role - O’Sullivan

Ireland should use its power to create a pathway to peace – that’s according to Grace O’Sullivan. The Green MEP says she has been a “dark place” since the outbreak of the latest conflict in Ukraine. There are reports of heavy civilian casualties, including children caught up in the bombing. Millions of people have become displaced by the war. Green MEP, Grace O’Sullivan says Ireland has a special role as a neutral country held in high regard.

Out words: Ireland comes in

Dur: 0’21”

Daly/Wallace drawing “false equivalence” between West and Russia

The Independents 4 Change MEPs Clare Daly and Mick Wallace had their heads in the sand on Russia and its intention to invade Ukraine.

That’s the view of Dublin MEP Barry Andrews. He says both MEPs have tried to minimise the threat from Russia and convince people that it was all a provocation from the West.

The two MEPs have been heavily criticised for voting last week against an overall resolution on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Only thirteen MEPs voted against it including a far-right Greek MEP who’s serving a jail sentence for criminal offences.

Barry Andrews says both Daly and Wallace are using “the very democratic protections that Russia seeks to destroy, in order to criticise the European Union”.

Out words: untenable position

Dur: 00:20