EuroParlRadio

Interview Colm Markey on transport of live animals – Podcast

MEPs are voting today on proposals to improve the transportation of live animals across the EU.

The recommendations include limits on journey times for all animals and a ban on the transportation of very young animals below the age of thirty five (35) days. A maximum journey time of two hours for unweaned animals over 35 days is also being proposed along with a ban on the transport of pregnant animals in the last third of gestation.

In the following interview, EuroParlRadio editor Karen Coleman talks to Fine Gael MEP Colm Markey about the proposals.

Out words: into play

Dur: 03:12

Calf transportation proposals “counterproductive” & ”bad” – Markey

MEPs are voting today on proposals to improve the transportation of live animals across the EU.

The recommendations include limits on journey times for all animals and a ban on the transportation of very young animals below the age of thirty five (35) days. A maximum journey time of two hours for unweaned animals over 35 days is also being proposed along with a ban on the transport of pregnant animals in the last third of gestation.

Fine Gael MEP Colm Markey says the proposals on transporting calves are ‘unworkable’.

Out words: animal welfare

Dur: 00:36

Animal welfare proposals “discriminate against Ireland”

Animal welfare proposals could discriminate against Ireland if they go too far, Sean Kelly has warned. The European Parliament is due to debate a resolution on the issue on Thursday. Whilst he welcomes some of the ideas, like a ban on transporting month-old calves, the Fine Gael MEP fears there is a risk of overregulating.

Out words: A lot of time

Dur: 0’20”

“Get ready” for next pandemic - Andrews

Europe and the world need to prepare for the next pandemic – that’s the message from MEP, Barry Andrews. The Fianna Fáil is confident that the worst of Covid-19 may now be behind us. He does not expect another variant which might send us backwards. Instead, he says it is time to get organised and make sure the “chaos” of the last two years isn’t repeated when the next virus comes along.

Out words: Had with covid

Dur: 0’22”

Restrictions advocate calls for “rapid reopening”

There is a strong medical and economic case for a “rapid reopening” on Friday – that’s according to Barry Andrews. The Fianna Fáil MEP says he was an early advocate of restrictions when the signs were bad. Now he says it is important to be just as quick in unlocking again.

Out words: In both directions

Dur: 0’30”

France likely to look to renegotiate Mercosur trade deal – Kelleher

The Mercosur Trade Agreement between the EU and four South American countries is unlikely to progress during the French presidency of the EU Council which began this month.

That’s according to Fianna Fail MEP Billy Kelleher.

In 2019, the EU reached a deal with the four Mercosur countries of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. But the massive trade deal still has to be ratified by EU member states and the European Parliament and Council.

And Billy Kelleher says progress on the deal isn’t likely during the French presidency.  

Out words: French presidency

Dur: 00:16

 

 

 

 

 

Macon to ‘conduct’ climate orchestra - Cuffe

The French government is at the helm of Europe at an important time for climate change – that’s according to Irish Green MEP, Ciarán Cuffe. France has just taken over the rotating presidency of the European Council. Setting out his vision in the European Parliament this morning, President Emmanual Macron, put climate change at the top of his agenda, saying Europe needed to move from “words to deeds”. The EU’s ‘fit for 55’ package would see net emissions reduced by 55 per cent by 2030. Ciarán Cuffe says it will be up to Macron to deliver.

Out words: The climate package

Dur: 0’25”

Ireland nuclear-powered on windless days

Ireland’s electricity supply could end up nuclear-powered – that’s according to one of our Green MEPs. The so-called Celtic Interconnector – a cable connecting Ireland and France – is due to go live in 2026. And whilst Ireland is investing in renewables, French nuclear energy may be needed on windless days. Although nuclear is not his preferred option, Dublin MEP, Ciaran Cuffe believes it will be a step towards net zero for Ireland.

Out words: Our power grid

Dur: 0’23”

Stronger more collaborative Europe likely key area of French EU presidency – Kelleher

The French presidency of the Council of the EU is likely to be more political with France’s president in favour of a stronger and more collaborative Europe.

That’s according to Fianna Fail MEP Billy Kelleher.

France took over the six-month presidency of the EU Council in January. And today the French president Emmanuel Macron will outline France’s priorities over the next six months during an address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Billy Kelleher says there’s been a fundamental change in European politics since the UK left the bloc with Germany and France now dominating its direction.

Out words: take Europe

Dur: 00:35

Sadness in European Parliament at former President’s death – Markey

MEPs in the European Parliament have been expressing their condolences at the passing of the former president David Sassoli who died last week at the age of sixty five (65).

He had been suffering from ill health for several months. Today MEPs elected his successor. Maltese MEP Roberta Metsola, who’s part of the European People’s Party Group, got elected in the first round of voting.

She paid tribute to Mr Sassoli during her acceptance speech. A commemoration ceremony was held for him last night in the Parliament in Strasbourg.

Fine Gael MEP Colm Markey said there is much sadness and shock at his death.

Out words: for people

Dur: 00:25