EuroParlRadio

COVID certificate will allow travel across Europe – Walsh

A proposed Covid 19 digital certificate should help to keep people safe when they travel across the EU.

That’s according to Fine Gael MEP for the Midlands North-West, Maria Walsh. The European Parliament held a debate this morning on European Commission proposals for a Digital Green Cert which would also come in a paper format.

The Commission is proposing the Cert would be secure and interoperable between EU countries. And that it would contain information on a person’s vaccination status, COVID-19 test results or state of Covid recovery.

Here’s Maria Walsh.

Out words: people safe

Dur: 00:14

 

 

 

Brexit deal protects Good Friday Agreement - MacManus

Sinn Fein's Midlands North-West MEP, Chris MacManus, has welcomed the huge vote in support of the Brexit deal. The European Parliament voted for the UK-EU agreement 660 in favour and just 5 against. There were 32 abstentions. He says the deal gives a firm basis for the future whilst protecting the Good Friday Agreement.

Out words:  North of Ireland

Dur: 0’23”

European Parliament votes for NI “enhanced dialogue” - SF

The European Parliament has called for a stronger voice for Northern Ireland alongside its vote in support of the Brexit deal. MEPs overwhelmingly backed ratifying the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, and also overwhelmingly backed a resolution setting out current Brexit concerns. Included in the resolution, MEPs call for “ongoing and enhanced dialogue between political representatives and civil society, including with Northern Ireland representatives, on all aspects of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland and the broader Northern Irish peace process.” Sinn Fein MEP, Chris MacManus, would like Northern Ireland to have shadow reputation in Brussels. He says what formal role Northern Ireland now has must be decided, but the recognition in the resolution is a victory.

Out words:  The Irish protocol

Dur: 0’21”

NI mustn’t squander “unique opportunity”

Northern Ireland should not squander its “unique opportunity” in the Brexit deal – that’s the view of Fianna Fáil MEP, Billy Kelleher. The European Parliament has now ratified the agreement with an overwhelming majority vote. That means the Trade and Cooperation can finally come fully into force. The north of Ireland has a special status both inside the UK and the EU’s Single Market. Ireland South MEP, Billy Kelleher, says that’s a valuable position which all sides should support.

Out words:  Sell what is positive

Dur: 0’17”

Brexit vote brings “legal certainty” - Kelleher

Billy Kelleher has welcomed the overwhelming majority vote for the Brexit deal. The result of the European Parliament’s ratification vote was announced this morning: 660 in favour and just 5 against. There were 32 abstentions. Ireland South MEP, Billy Kelleher, voted for the deal. He says it is now time to resolve the remaining problems and move on.

Out words:  The Northern Ireland Protocol

Dur: 0’23”

COVID digital cert vote in European Parliament – Cuffe

The European Parliament will vote today on proposals for a Covid 19 cert that’s aimed at facilitating travel during the pandemic.  

MEPs will cast their ballots on European Commission proposals for a Digital Green Certificate which would contain information on a person’s Covid vaccination status.

Green Party MEP Ciarán Cuffe says the cert should make it easier for EU countries to cooperate when it comes to people travelling within the bloc.  

Out words: be used

Dur: 00:31

Brexit ratified. “End of a tortuous process” - Andrews

The European Parliament has backed the Brexit deal. The result of the vote has just been announced this morning. The Trade and Cooperation Agreement was provisionally put into place on 1^st January, but the ratification vote now means it can come fully into force.  Fianna Fáil MEP, Barry Andrews has been in Brussels to cast his ballot in favour of the agreement. He says it is time for a new post-Brexit start to UK/EU relations.

Out words:  Trade and Cooperation Agreement

Dur: 0’22”

MEPs approve €95billion EU research programme – Kelly

The European Parliament has given the green light to a ninety five and a half billion euro (€95.5bn) EU research and innovation programme that will last until 2027.

The vast majority of MEPs voted on Tuesday for the Horizon Europe programme which will help researchers and innovators to achieve scientific and technological innovations.

The priorities of the programme include finding ways to cure cancer, tackle climate change and regenerate our oceans and waters.

Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly explains.

Out words: after Covid

Dur: 00:40

 

 

Land of Ireland carbon capture potential

Ireland can fight climate change by looking after the land beneath our feet – that’s the view of Green MEP, Grace O'Sullivan. The European Parliament has been debating soil protection in Brussels this week. The European Commission has proposed a biodiversity strategy and is now promising to follow up with targets for restoring land. The EU sees soil as part of its Green Deal with the aim of becoming climate-neutral by 2050. ‘Zero pollution’ targets will re-examine chemicals and pesticides too. Ireland South MEP, Grace O'Sullivan, has welcomed the tougher stance. She says Ireland can return its natural carbon store. 

Out words:  Land is critical

Dur: 0’24”

Emerald Isle must live up to its name - O'Sullivan

Title:  Emerald Isle must live up to its name - O'Sullivan

 

Interviewee: Grace O'Sullivan MEP (Green, Ireland South)

 

Interviewed by: Georg von Harrach, Brussels

 

Intro script:

Ireland must live up to its reputation as ‘40 shades of green’ by restoring mismanaged land, says Grace O'Sullivan. In a debate in the European Parliament, the European Commission promised to take a tougher approach. It estimates soil and land derogation is costing €38 billion per year. The EU plans to set binding targets to restore damaged land, especially if it can mitigate the risk of natural disasters, or act as a carbon store. Ireland South MEP, Grace O'Sullivan believes our soil – including the peat bogs – here should be playing their part.

Out words:  And to support biodiversity

Dur: 0’15”