EuroParlRadio

Andrews hopes Ireland joins EU travel system this month

Dublin MEP Barry Andrews says he would love to see Ireland join the EU’s new traffic light system for travel.

 

The plan – which is expected to be announced mid-month - would allow for unrestricted air travel to and from countries classified as green or amber.

 

Ryanair says Irish people would be able to fly to 16 countries if the system was in place today.

 

Barry Andrews says the travel industry needs some certainty:

 

Out words: travel internationally

 
Dur: 0:19

Ireland’s COVID plan praised abroad - Andrews

Ireland’s new plan to deal with COVID has been praised by other countries according to Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Andrews.

 

The ‘Living with COVID’ system came into effect last month and includes 5 different levels of restrictions.

 

The whole country moves into level 3 at midnight due to a recent spike in cases.

 

Barry Andrews admits that Ireland is stricter than other European countries but says the system is clear:  

 

Out words: alleviate that

 
Dur: 0:31

“Game over if we don’t take action on climate” – O’Sullivan

Green Party MEP Grace O’Sullivan says the European Parliament must act on climate change before it’s too late.

 

A debate is taking place this afternoon on ambitious targets - including reaching climate neutrality by 2050.

 

MEPs will also decide on the 2030 emissions target.

 

Grace O’Sullivan is pushing for a 65 per cent reduction over the next 9 years:

 

Out words: proposing

 
Dur: 0:30

European Parliament to decide on crucial climate target

The European Parliament will vote tonight on crucial climate targets.

 

The Commission has already proposed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 per cent by 2030.

 

However, some MEPs are calling for the target to be even more ambitious and will vote on a series of amendments later.  

 

Green Party MEP for Ireland South Grace O’Sullivan wants emissions cut by 65 per cent over the next 9 years:

 

Out words: that risk

 
Dur: 0:33

"Block funds to countries who flout the rule of law” - Kelleher

EU countries who breach EU laws and values should be blocked from receiving funds according to Ireland South MEP Billy Kelleher.

 

During a debate in the European Parliament last night, MEPs raised concerns about Poland, Hungary and Bulgaria.

 

The row threatens to delay the distribution of the EU’s 1.7 trillion-euro COVID recovery package.

 

Fianna Fáil’s Billy Kelleher says troublesome countries should face the consequences:

 

Out words: deem suitable

 

Dur: 0:33

National effort required on COVID - Kelleher

Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher says getting Ireland back in kilter with Europe on COVID requires a national effort.

 

The Government has decided to move the entire country to ‘level 3’ at midnight.

 

It means that Ireland is the only country in the EU to ban indoor dining while it’s unlikely that people will be able to fly once new rules on international travel are agreed in Europe this month.

 

Billy Kelleher says the situation will only improve if the public gets behind efforts to curb the spread of the virus:

 

Out words: and travel

 

Dur: 0:33

From Finance to Brexit: McGuinness leans in for EU job PACKAGED REPORT

The Fine Gael MEP and EU Commissioner Designate Mairead McGuinness appeared before MEPs in the European Parliament’s Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee on Friday morning. (2 October).

Ms McGuinness was recently nominated to be Ireland's EU Commissioner for Financial Services after its previous Commissioner Phil Hogan had to resign over GolfGate.

Her hearing before the ECON Committee was part of the approval process. She first has to get the green light from the committee before the whole of the European Parliament votes on her nomination next week during its plenary session.

Karen Coleman, EuroParlRadio editor has this report on some of the main points made by Mairead McGuinness during her address to the Parliament’s Committee.

Out: EuroParlRadio 

Dur:4:18

McGuinness grilled by MEPs for big EU job - PACKAGED REPORT

Ireland’s EU Commissioner designate Mairead McGuinness was grilled by MEPs this morning during her hearing in front of the European Parliament’s Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee.

The Fine Gael MEP had to show her knowledge and expertise in her designated portfolio of Financial Services, Financial Stability and Capital Markets Union.

After an initial address Mairead McGuinness answered questions connected to her designated new job.  

Karen Coleman has this round-up of that hearing.

Covid can’t delay Climate change challenges - McGuinness

The Covid pandemic can’t be used as an excuse to delay addressing the challenges of climate change, environmental degradation and biodiversity loss.

That was the warning from Mairead McGuinness who’s been nominated to be Ireland’s next EU Commissioner.

The Fine Gael MEP was speaking at a hearing before a European Parliament Committee in Brussels this morning.

Mairead McGuinness had to demonstrate her general competences and expertise in her designated portfolio of Financial Services, Financial Stability and Capital Markets Union.

She cited the EU’s Green Deal and sustainable finance as key priorities should she win approval for the EU job.

Out words: other choice

Dur: 00:40

McGuinness warns EU “must be ready” for Brexit financial consequences

The EU must be ready for the consequences in the financial sector once the UK becomes a ‘third country’ from next January.

That was the warning from Ireland’s EU Commissioner Designate Mairead McGuinness.

She was speaking at her hearing this morning before the European Parliament’s Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee.

MEPs from the Committee will first have to decide whether or not to approve her appointment before all of the MEPs in the Parliament get to vote on her nomination.

The financial consequences of Brexit was one of the topics Mairead McGuinness addressed during her hearing.

Out words: our supervision

Dur: 00:37