EuroParlRadio

Ireland should expect ‘much much stronger’ flow of vaccines soon - Fitzgerald

We should see ‘huge changes’ in the supply of vaccines to Ireland within a month or so. That’s the verdict of Dublin MEP Frances Fitzgerald.

The Fine Gael politician says the EU is one hundred per cent (100%) focused on trying to sort the logjams in securing vaccines for EU states.

Out words: or so

Dur: 00:25

EU focused on vaccines 'day in day out' – Fitzgerald

The European Medicines Agency is expected to clear the Johnson and Johnson Covid 19 vaccine today. The approval could see a substantial boost in supplies of vaccines to Ireland over the coming months.

However, Fine Gael MEP Frances Fitzgerald urges caution against promising too much.  

Out words: of that

Dur:  00:27

Victory for supertrawler surveillance - O'Sullivan

The European Parliament has voted for supertrawlers suspected of overfishing to be fitted with CCTV in future. After a closely fought battle for votes, MEPs decided that larger vessels “posing a serious risk of non-compliance” should have cameras so that the fish they catch can be monitored. Nearly 50,000 people signed a petition organised by campaign group, Uplift, urging Irish MEPs to back supertrawler surveillance. The EU is deeply concerned that a number of fish stocks – including in the Irish Sea and the Atlantic – are endangered thanks to overfishing. The new Fisheries Control system will try to counter that. MEPs will start negotiations with ministers to finalise the new law. Green MEP,  Grace O'Sullivan, says it is a vitally important step forward.

Out words: Fish for the future

Dur: 0’21”

European Parliament set to declare EU an LBGTIQ freedom zone - Walsh

The European Parliament is set to call for the EU to be an LGBTIQ freedom zone.

The majority of MEPs are expected to back the move in a vote on a resolution today in the Parliament.

It’s in response to actions in Poland to declare certain parts of the country LGBTI-free zones. Hungary has also been criticised for discriminating against LGBTI people.

Maria Walsh, Fine Gael MEP for the Midlands North-West, says action is needed to stop Poland and Hungary from discriminating against gay people like her.

Out words: be tolerated

Dur:  00:26

MacManus criticises “continual downgrade” of rural Ireland

Sinn Fein’s MEP has criticised what he sees as a lack of investment by the government in rural Ireland. The European Parliament is discussing a long term vision for rural areas in a debate this afternoon. The EU has now allocated more than €1.1 billion in regional funding to Ireland for the next budget period which runs until 2027. And Ireland is due to get the largest slice of the so-called Brexit Adjustment Reserve. Midlands North-West MEP, Chris MacManus, says he is lobbying for rural parts of his constituency to benefit on a par with other parts of the country.

Out words: The border corridor

Dur: 0’24”

Spain should not pursue Catalan leaders - MacManus

Spain should not be pursuing Catalan MEPs over the 2017 independence referendum – that’s the view of Chris MacManus. Carles Puigdemont, the former pro-impendence President of Catalonia turned MEP, and several of his colleagues, had their right to immunity from prosecution removed in a vote in the European Parliament this week. A majority of MEPs took the view it was not for the European Parliament to block the judicial system. Sinn Fein’s Chris MacManus vigorously rejected that. He says Spain doesn't have a case.

Out words: What we’ve done 

Dur: 0’17”

Catalan vote sets dangerous precedent – Sinn Fein

The waiving of immunity of Catalan MEPs sets a dangerous precedent, Sinn Fein’s MEP has warned. The pro-impendence former President of Catalonia turned MEP, Carles Puigdemont, and several of his colleagues this week lost their right to immunity from prosecution in the European Parliament. The Spanish government wants them in court over their role in the Catalan independence referendum held in 2017. Sinn Fein MEP, Chris MacManus, believes overturning their immunity was a mistake that could have wide consequences.

 

Out words: Within this parliament 

Dur: 0’20”

EU embarks on massive citizen engagement plan – Walsh

An ambitious EU plan to engage citizens around the bloc to shape its future got underway today.

The presidents of the European Commission, Parliament and Council signed a joint declaration on the Conference on the Future of Europe.

Its aim is to enable citizens to participate in reshaping EU policies and institutions.

Those behind the initiative say people will be able to take part in many events and debates across the EU, as well as having a say through a multilingual digital platform.

Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh explains how it’s going to work.

Out words: rural areas

Dur: 00:16

Future of Europe conference formally launched– Walsh

An initiative to shape Europe’s future was formally launched in Brussels today.

The presidents of the European Commission, Parliament and Council signed a joint declaration on the Conference on the Future of Europe.

This paves the way to launching a series of debates and discussions that will enable people from every corner of Europe to share their ideas to help shape Europe’s future.

Some people are sceptical that it will amount to nothing more than a grand talking shop. But Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh has higher hopes for the initiative.  

Out words: disinformation

Dur: 00:23

EU right to pursue UK legal action - Andrews

The European Union must uphold the rule of law over Brexit, says Barry Andrews. The EU is planning legal action against the UK for unilaterally extending grace periods. According to the Northern Ireland protocol, disagreements are supposed to be discussed and resolved first in the joint committee. Fianna Fáil MEP, Barry Andrews, says the EU is right to take legal action whilst also trying to get the UK back to the table.

 

Out words:  Rule of law

 

Dur: 0’21”