EuroParlRadio

Kelleher predicts full vaccine rollout by mid-2021

Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher expects most of the Irish population to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by the middle of next year.

 

Today the Government outlined details of the rollout, with care home residents expected to get the jab first.

 

That could come sooner than expected, with a decision on the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine now due from EU regulators before Christmas.

 

Kelleher says it’s welcome news

 

Out words: the hope

 

Dur: 0:24

COVID vaccines could lead to herd immunity - Kelleher

COVID vaccines could lead to herd immunity if enough people get the jab according to Ireland South MEP Billy Kelleher.

 

Authorisation of the Pfizer-BioNTech shot could come sooner than expected after the European Medicines Agency said it would make a decision before Christmas.

 

It means the first vaccines could be rolled out in the EU this year.

 

Fianna Fáil’s Billy Kelleher says the more people who get the jab, the better

 

Out words: COVID 19

 

Dur: 0:16

MEPs vote through Brexit contingency measures

The European Parliament has voted through four contingency measures to avoid air and road disruption between the EU and the UK on January 1^st.

 

If the UK reciprocates, flights, freight and fishing would continue as normal for a number of months.

 

Time is running out for any Brexit deal to be ratified before the end of the year.

 

Green Party MEP for Ireland South Grace O’Sullivan says there’s likely to be some disruption even if agreement is reached

 

 

Out words: their view

 

Dur: 0:24

Galway to officially get Capital of Culture extension

The European Parliament is expected to give the green light for Galway to remain European Capital of Culture into 2021.

 

The city missed out on expected 1 billion euro boost in tourism and visitor revenues due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Much of the programme had to go online due to the various restrictions imposed this year.

 

MEPs will this week vote on a proposal to extend it into 2021.

 

Green Party MEP Grace O’Sullivan hopes people will be able to enjoy the festivities next year

 

Out words: in 2021

 

Dur: 0:18

MEPs to vote on Brexit contingency measures

MEPs are to vote on a number of contingency measures to keep planes in the air and lorries moving in the event of a no deal Brexit.

 

The European Commission wants to ensure that basic air and road connectivity between the EU and UK continues for another 6 months.

 

The EU also wants its boats to continue working in UK waters for another year or until a fisheries agreement is concluded.

 

Fianna Fáil MEP for Dublin Barry Andrews says the contingency measures are aimed at avoiding chaos on January 1^st

 

Out words: do that

 

Dur: 0:26

Bypassing Parliament for Brexit deal should be a last resort- Andrews

Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Andrews says bypassing the European Parliament to get a Brexit deal over the line should be a last resort.

 

Time is running out for any trade agreement to be ratified by MEPs before the 1^st of January.

 

One option is both the EU and the UK agreeing to apply a deal provisionally – pending ratification by the Parliament in the new year.

 

Barry Andrews says it’s not ideal but might be necessary

 

Out words: about that

 

Dur: 0:17

Cuffe calls for Irish ‘rail renaissance’

Ireland could be set for a ‘rail renaissance’ if it follows the rest of Europe in improving services.

 

That’s the view of Green MEP Ciarán Cuffe who was speaking as the European Parliament discusses the ‘2021 Year of Rail’.

 

The EU-wide initiative is aimed at promoting rail as a more sustainable travel option.

 

Ciarán Cuffe says his party is pushing for better rail connections in Ireland

 

Out words: renaissance

 

Dur: 0:34

Ireland can do more to improve water quality - Cuffe

Dublin Green MEP Ciarán Cuffe says Ireland can do more to improve water quality.

 

It comes after the Environmental Protection Agency found that nitrate concentrations are increasing in nearly half of Irish river and groundwater sites.

 

The report coincides with a debate in the European Parliament about updating water standards and improving access across the EU.

 

Ciarán Cuffe says it’s an important issue   

 

Out words: goes by

 

Dur: 0:32

Time running out for MEPs to vote on Brexit deal - voicer

Time is running out for the European Parliament to ratify a Brexit deal, even if agreement is reached soon.

 

It means there could be a short ‘no-deal’ period from January 1^st.

 

Kevin Purcell reports from the European Parliament in Brussels.

 

Out words: in Brussels

 

Dur: 0:43

European Parliament will have to vote on Brexit deal – Cuffe

The European Parliament will have to vote on a Brexit trade deal if agreement is reached between the EU and the UK in the coming days or weeks.

Negotiators from both sides are to continue talking despite setting an original deadline on Sunday. They agreed “to go the extra mile” to push for a deal.

However MEPs will have to scrutinise the deal if it’s brokered before they vote on it. And there will be little time left to do that before the Brexit transition period ends on December 31^st.

The Green Party MEP Ciarán Cuffe says MEPs may resent being given a short timeframe to go through the deal ahead of a vote on it.

Out words: vote against

Dur:  00:24