EuroParlRadio

Kelleher calls for single market for mortgages

An EU mortgage market would drive down prices for Irish families and small businesses according to Fianna Fáil’s Billy Kelleher.

 

The Ireland South MEP told the European Parliament that extra competition would open up more options for consumers.

 

Kelleher says Ireland currently has the highest mortgage interest rates in the EU.

 

Out words: eurozone

 

Dur: 0:20

Vaccine certs would increase jab uptake - Andrews

Dublin MEP Barry Andrews says the introduction of EU-wide COVID vaccine certs wold increase uptake of the jab amongst the general population.

 

European leaders are due to discuss the possible roll-out of such certificates, which could replace quarantine and test requirements for travellers.

 

They could come in the form of an app or QR code that would be scanned in airports.

 

Andrews thinks it’s a good idea

 

Out words: support it

 

Dur: 0:21

Irish mortgage market ‘dysfunctional’- Kelleher

Fianna Fáil’s Billy Kelleher says Irish families are being held to a form of “financial ransom” due to high mortgage interest rates.

 

The Ireland South MEP is calling for the Single Market to be expanded to include easier access to financial services.

 

The average new mortgage rate in Ireland is now more than double the average for the euro area.

 

Kelleher says it’s not acceptable

 

Out words: financial ransom

 

Dur: 0:22

Dedicated vaccine Minister ‘not necessary’- Andrews

The Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Andrews doesn’t believe Ireland should have a dedicated Minister in charge of the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out.

 

The idea was mooted by his colleague in the European Parliament, Fine Gael MEP Frances Fitzgerald.

 

The former Tanaiste believes another Minister is needed to work on the logistical side of the vaccines.

 

But Andrews doesn’t think it’s necessary

 

Out words: in hand

 

Dur: 0:23

Vaccine certs ‘may be needed’ across EU – Health Commissioner

The European Health Commissioner says vaccination certificates may be needed across the EU.

 

Countries like Denmark and Greece have already announced plans to issue digital certs to everyone who receives the COVID-19 jab.

 

Other countries however are hesitant to back the idea.

 

Commissioner Stella Kyriakides told MEPs that the matter is being discussed with EU leaders

 

Out words: member states

 

Dur: 0:15

EU to set 70% vaccination target by summer

The European Commission is expected to call for 70 per cent of the population to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by the summer.

 

A new plan on the response to the pandemic is set to be released today.

 

Talks will also take place with EU leaders this week about the possible introduction of vaccination certificates.

 

Speaking to MEPS, the European Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides said we’re turning a corner in the fight against COVID

 

Out words: the horizon

 

Dur: 0:28

MEPs to debate EU vaccine plan - voicer

The EU’s vaccine roll-out will be debated by members of the European Parliament this morning.

It comes amid reports the European Commission wants at least 70 per cent of people in the bloc vaccinated by the summer.

Kevin Purcell reports:

 

Out words: in Brussels

 

Dur: 0:46

Brexit raises concerns on Justice issues – Fitzgerald

The UK’s departure from the EU raises problems when it comes to justice issues.

That’s according to Fine Gael MEP Frances Fitzgerald.

MEPs are currently scrutinising the EU-UK trade deal document which runs to over twelve hundred pages (1200). They have to vote on the agreement for it to be fully ratified.

Frances Fitzgerald says areas of justice require further information. 

Out words: third country  

Dur:  00:34

Winners and Losers Brexit Trade Deal – Packaged report

It’s been little over two weeks since the EU-UK trade deal was brokered after many months of very tough negotiations.

We know the deal has left certain sectors like the fishing industry deeply unhappy. But many people are relieved the trade agreement was finally struck.

The European Parliament still has to ratify the deal. And MEPs are currently scrutinising it.

In this report Karen Coleman has been talking to some of them about the trade deal.

Out words: EuroParlRadio

Dur: 05:00

Ireland should get “Lion’s share” of EU Brexit funds – Markey

Ireland should get two thirds of the five billion euro (€5bn) earmarked for countries most impacted by the UK’s departure from the EU.

That’s the verdict of Fine Gael MEP Colm Markey.

The EU’s Brexit Adjustment Reserve is to be made available to sectors that are most affected by Brexit.

Colm Markey says there’s EU-wide acceptance that Ireland will be impacted more than any other EU state.

Out words: our economy

Dur: 00:27