EuroParlRadio

“Some hope for optimism” on Brexit talks – Cuffe

There’s a glimmer of hope that a Brexit Trade agreement may be brokered between the EU and the UK.

That’s according to the Green Party MEP Ciarán Cuffe.

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.

Here’s Ciarán Cuffe.

Out words: the line

Dur: 00:40

Ireland will need every penny of EU COVID grant – O’Sullivan

Irish MEP Grace O’Sullivan says an initial EU grant of 23 million euro will help Ireland deal with the logistics of rolling out COVID vaccinations.

 

The advance payment comes from the EU Solidarity Fund which is normally used for natural disasters.

 

In total, Ireland will receive 100 million euro.

 

Grace O’Sullivan says the cash is needed

Dur: 0:18

Out: as possible  

EU cash can help with Irish vaccine rollout – O’Sullivan

An EU COVID grant to Ireland could help with the rollout of vaccines according to Ireland South MEP Grace O’Sullivan,

 

This week, the European Commission President urged member states to get ready for the logistics involved in administering the jabs.

 

Parliament has approved an advance of 23 million euro to Ireland under the EU Solidarity Fund.

 

It total, Ireland will receive about 100 million.

 

Grace O’Sullivan says the cash should be spent wisely

Dur: 0:22

Out: for Ireland

Poland and Hungary should back down in budget row - Cuffe

Dublin MEP Ciarán Cuffe says Poland and Hungary should back down in the row with the EU over the budget.

 

The two countries have blocked the approval of 1.8 trillion euro which includes a 750 billion euro COVID recovery package.

 

They’re not happy about a clause which links access to the cash to respecting EU laws.

 

Ciarán Cuffe says the so called ‘rule of law’ mechanism is necessary

Dur: 0:23

Out: these funds

Rule of law row needs to be resolved - Cuffe

Dublin MEP Ciarán Cuffe says it’s crucial that a row over the EU’s budget and COVID recovery fund is resolved soon.

 

1.8 trillion euro is being blocked by Poland and Hungary over a clause which links the money to respecting the rule of law.

 

Both countries are already under investigation by the EU for a number of alleged breaches.

 

Ciarán Cuffe says the cash needs to be unlocked to deal with the COVID crisis

 

Dur: 0:30

Out: do that

 

Brexit talks will come down to fisheries - Kelly

Fine Gael MEP Seán Kelly believes talks on a Brexit deal will come down to fisheries.

 

There’s still no progress in the discussions - with just weeks to go before the transition period ends.

 

Yesterday, the European Commission President said the main differences remain the level playing field, governance, and fisheries.

 

Seán Kelly says the UK is in a tight spot when it comes to fishing rights

 

Dur: 0:26

Out: hopefully

 

Kelly backs lower voting age in Euro elections

The Fine Gael MEP Seán Kelly says he’s in favour of lowering the voting age in European elections to 16.

 

It’s one of the suggestions in a resolution backed by Parliament, aimed at improving democracy ahead of 2024 vote.

 

Other potential reforms including a ban on campaign funding from foreign bodies and more scrutiny of algorithms on social media.

 

Seán Kelly believes more young people should have a voice in the democratic process

 

Dur: 0:26

Out: trial basis

Voting age for EU elections could be lowered – Voicer

The voting age for the European elections could be lowered to 16.

 

MEPs say it’s one of a number of potential reforms that should be considered ahead of the 2024 elections.

 

Kevin Purcell has more from the European Parliament in Brussels.

Dur: 0:43

Out: in Brussels

Product safety rules need upgrading - Clune

Products sold online which don’t respect EU safety rules should be recalled.  

 

The European Parliament has backed a resolution calling for better protection for consumers.

 

MEPs want online platforms and marketplaces to take more responsibility to ensure products are safe.

 

Fine Gael MEP for Ireland South Deirdre Clune says the current rules need to be upgraded.

 

Dur: 0:20

Out: this area

Products sold online must be safe – Clune

MEPs say product safety rules have to made fit for the digital age.

 

With more and more people shopping online, the European Parliament wants better protection for consumers.

 

MEPs say all products circulating in the EU need to be safe and anything which poses a hazard or has unsafe software should be recalled.

 

Fine Gael MEP for Ireland South Deirdre Clune is on the Consumer Protection Committee

Dur: 0:25

Out:  regulations