EuroParlRadio

Andrews “concerned” about level 5 exit

Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Andrews says he’s worried about easing COVID restrictions over Christmas.

 

Reports suggest that Ireland may come out of level 5 and move to level 3 with some modifications.

 

The Government will make an official announcement later in the week.

 

Barry Andrews says he’s concerned that people might ‘drop the ball’ over the festive period.

 

Out words: to me

 

Dur: 0:23

Andrews welcomes €23m COVID payment to Ireland

The European Parliament has given the green light for Ireland to receive an advance payment of 23 million euro to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

The money will come from the EU Solidarity Fund which is normally used for natural disasters.
 

 

In total Ireland will get about 100 million euro.

 

Fianna Fáil MEP for Dublin Barry Andrews says the cash will be used to help the health service

 

Out words: good amount

 

Dur: 0:21

Most Irish MEPs working from home during plenary week – Voicer

The majority of Irish MEPs have chosen to work from home during week’s plenary session of the European Parliament.

 

It’s being held mostly remotely once again due to the second wave of COVID-19.

 

Kevin Purcell reports from the European Parliament in Brussels

 

Out words: in Brussels
 
Dur: 0:48 

Leaving young family for commute to Brussels “biggest challenge” – Markey

Ireland’s newest MEP won’t be heading off to Brussels just yet with Covid travel restrictions making the journey to the EU capital more problematic.

Colm Markey officially became an MEP last Friday. He’s replacing Mairead McGuinness who’s Ireland’s new EU Commissioner.

Mr Markey says one of the biggest challenges he’ll face will be leaving his young family behind him when he jets off to Brussels once travel restrictions ease up.

Out words: very quickly

Dur: 00:22

MEPs to approve €23m COVID payment to Ireland - Voicer

The European Parliament is expected to sign off on an initial 23-million-euro payment to help Ireland tackle the COVID-19 emergency.

 

The cash will come from the EU Solidarity Fund which is normally used during large-scale disasters.

 

Kevin Purcell reports from the European Parliament in Brussels

 

Out words: in Brussels
 
Dur: 0:46 

Markey hopeful of Brexit trade resolution in next week or so

Brexit trade negotiations are continuing today but they’re being conducted online after a member of the EU’s negotiating team tested positive for the Coronavirus last week.

The EU’s Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said earlier today that “fundamental divergences” still remain between the two sides. But he says they are continuing to work hard for a deal.

Fine Gael’s new MEP Colm Markey remains hopeful a trade agreement will be struck between the EU and the UK.

Out words: for these

Dur: 00:38

Agriculture a top priority for new FG MEP – Markey

The new Fine Gael MEP for the Midlands North-West constituency says agricultural issues are likely to top his agenda in the years ahead.

Colm Markey took over from Mairead McGuinness after she became Ireland’s new EU Commissioner. He officially became an MEP last Friday.

Mr Markey says the EU’s Farm to Fork strategy and the Green Deal will have significant impacts on Irish farming practices.

Out words: solve them

Dur: 00:33

Kelly calls for daylight saving time to be binned

Fine Gael MEP Seán Kelly says daylight saving time has outlived its usefulness and should be scrapped.

 

Ahead of the clocks going back tonight, Kelly has called on the European Commission to step up efforts to abolish the bi-annual practice.

 

Plans have progressed in the EU but Ireland said no due to concerns about having two different time zones on the island.

 

Seán Kelly believes daylight saving time is detrimental for a number of reasons

 

Out words: the economy

Dur: 0:25

Kelly says clocks shouldn’t go back over COVID

Fine Gael MEP Seán Kelly say daylight saving time should have been scrapped during the lockdown.

 

The clocks go back an hour tonight meaning the evenings will get darker sooner.

 

Seán Kelly has long campaigned for an end to the bi-annual clock change and has called on the EU Commission President to step-up efforts to abolish it.

 

The Ireland South MEP says an extra hour of daylight would have helped a lot of people during the current lockdown

 

Out words: completely with

Dur: 0:18

Farmers are part of the climate change solution – Kelleher

Farmers have to change their ways to tackle climate change but are part of the solution according to Fianna Fáil’s Billy Kelleher.

 

The Ireland South MEP was speaking as the European Parliament sets out its position on the new Common Agricultural Policy.

 

Final votes take place this evening following a contentious week of debate.

 

Billy Kelleher says farmers will be supported for ‘going green’

 

Out words: as well

Dur: 0:23