EuroParlRadio

MEP demands increase in eligibility for Fuel allowance

More people should have access to the fuel allowance in Ireland because of the surge in energy prices across Europe.  

That’s the call from Midlands North-West MEP Chris MacManus.

He was speaking in the European Parliament in Strasbourg which today debated the fallout of surging gas prices in Europe. During the debate MEPs stressed the urgent need to support EU citizens in the face of record high gas and electricity prices. And some said the crisis was a wake-up call for a faster transition to renewable energy.

Here’s Chris MacManus.

Out words: ten percent  

Dur: 00:24

Interview with Barry Andrews on EU-UK Parliamentary Assembly PODCAST

Dublin MEP Barry Andrews has just been appointed to the European Parliament’s delegation to the new EU-UK Parliamentary Assembly.

The assembly will include thirty five members each from both the European and UK Parliaments (70 in total).  

It was set up following the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation agreement. The assembly will scrutinise EU-UK relations and make recommendations when needed.

EuroParlRadio editor Karen Coleman spoke to Barry Andrews about the assembly and his appointment to the European Parliament’s delegation to it.

Out words: that way

Dur: 03:28

Ecocide to gain legal clout – O’Sullivan

‘Ecocide’ is going to become as infamous as genocide in the coming years – that’s the prediction from Grace O’Sullivan. Environmentalists describe ‘ecocide’ as the mass destruction of an ecosystem with long term damage to nature. In a resolution just passed today by the European Parliament, MEPs have called for the term to have legal clout at the International Criminal Court. Green MEP for Ireland South, Grace O’Sullivan, says there is huge pressure to hold to account those responsible for environmental devastation.

 

Out words: Against the perpetrators

Dur: 0‘15”

Environmental abuser to end up in court – O’Sullivan

Cases of environmental abuse should end up at the same international court where war crimes are heard – that’s the view of Grace O’Sullivan. The European Parliament has just passed a resolution demanding more action on biodiversity. MEPs are worried about habitats being destroyed, not only here, but in developing countries too. In the resolution, they call for "ecocide" to be recognised at the International Criminal Court as Green MEP, Grace O’Sullivan explains.  

Out words: Life support system

Dur: 0’27”

Brexit impasse down to ‘complete lack of trust’ – Andrews

A “complete lack of trust” between the EU and the UK is leading to the current impasse on Brexit and differences over how to implement the Northern Ireland Protocol.

That's the view of Fianna Fail MEP Barry Andrews.

The Dublin representative has just been appointed to the European Parliament’s  delegation to the new EU-UK Parliamentary Assembly. It’s supposed to scrutinise EU-UK relations and make recommendations when needed. The assembly will include thirty five members each from both the European and UK Parliaments (70 in total). However, the British still have to pick their thirty five people to represent the UK side.

Barry Andrews says the Assembly is badly needed especially given the tensions between the bloc and the UK over the Brexit trade agreement and the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Out words: my opinion

Dur: 00:38

Dublin MEP appointed to EU-UK Parliamentary Assembly – Andrews

Dublin MEP Barry Andrews has just been appointed to the European Parliament’s delegation to the new EU-UK Parliamentary Assembly.

The assembly will include thirty five members each from both the European and UK Parliaments (70 in total).  

It was set up following the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation agreement. The assembly will scrutinise EU-UK relations and make recommendations when needed.

Barry Andrews says it’s essential the Assembly gets started as soon as possible.

Out words: the better

Dur: 00:30

Ireland energy vulnerabilities highlighted

This summer has shown that Ireland’s energy is vulnerable, says Billy Kelleher. As Europe tries to move away from coal and oil, we have become more and more dependent on gas from Russia and a still fledgling renewables market. Fianna Fáil MEP, Billy Kelleher, says we need to have serious discussions about solving the weaknesses in our supply.

 

Out words: Flow of natural gas

Dur: 0’23”

Energy crisis solvable - Kelleher

Bringing gas plants online, upping renewable power and improving cable connections with other countries all need to be pursued to avoid an energy crisis – that’s according to Billy Kelleher. The rise in gas and electricity prices is a concern not just here, but abroad too. The European Parliament is debating the issue this morning in Strasbourg. There are calls for the EU to help. Fianna Fáil MEP, Bill Kelleher, says sharp price increases are putting “stress and pressure” on families in Ireland and the government needs to consider all options.

Out words: Market as well

Dur: 0’22”

Kelly calls for fossil fuels to keep lights on

Ireland should use fossil fuels to avoid an energy crisis this winter, says Sean Kelly. Ireland and the EU has committed to drastic reductions in emissions over the coming decades. That means more renewables and less burning of fossil fuels. But with electricity prices rising sharply, Fine Gael MEP, Sean Kelly argues we need more natural gas in the short term. He argues Ireland should get ready for the 2030 and 2050 environmental targets, but meanwhile use fossil fuels to keep the economy going.

Out words: It’s very serious

Dur: 0’23”

Energy hike: Investors reject Ireland warning

Jobs will be lost if Ireland doesn’t get a grip of its energy problem – that’s the stark warning from Sean Kelly. Gas and electricity prices are expected to rise further in the coming months. Many European countries are facing similar pressures. MEPs are debating the issue in Strasbourg this morning. The European Commission is expected to propose measures to try and help. Fine Gael MEP, Sean Kelly, says Ireland needs to get a grip or investors will turn elsewhere.

Out words: Companies coming here

Dur: 0’22”