EuroParlRadio

Brexit trade talks on “thin ice” – Fitzgerald

The EU’s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has said that significant divergences remain between the EU and the UK following informal talks in London this week on a future trade deal. 

The UK is insisting it will leave the bloc at the end of the year and will not seek any extension to the transition period even if it means leaving without a deal.  

The Fine Gael MEP Frances Fitzgerald believes the talks are on a knife edge.

Out words: the deadline

Dur: 00:35

€2trn Dirty money laundered around the world - Fitzgerald

The former Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald is calling for effective EU action to tackle the scourge of money laundering that’s rife in Europe and around the world.  

The Dublin MEP says stronger laws and sanctions and one European regulatory body are needed to deal with it. 

MEPs in the European Parliament will vote today on a resolution calling for comprehensive policies to tackle money laundering and terrorist financing.   

Frances Fitzgerald says it’s a massive racket.

Out words: this money

Dur: 00:40

Recording devices to be fitted in transport vehicles in future – Clune

Recording devices called tachographs will have to be fitted in transport vehicles within the EU in the future to help record border crossings, driving times and unloading operations.

The move is all part of a major reform of the road transport sector. And a suite of new rules was endorsed by the European Parliament this week.

The Mobility Package took years to broker and aims to put an end to distortion of competition in the road transport sector and to provide better rest and safer working conditions for drivers.

One of the moves includes mandatory fitting of tachographs in transport vehicles. The Fine Gael MEP Deirdre Clune, who is on the European Parliament’s Transport Committee, explains.

Out words: important step

Dur: 00:38

Paschal “perfect fit” for Eurogroup Presidency - Kelly

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has stated an immediate priority as President of the Eurogroup will be to chart a common way forward on building the European recovery.

Strengthening the Eurozone economy and promoting sustainable and inclusive growth for member states and their citizens will also be top of his agenda.   

Minister Donohoe beat off stiff competition last night to win the vote to become the Eurogroup president.

The Eurogroup is the body that brings together the finance ministers of the nineteen Eurozone countries.

Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly says Mr Donohoe’s elevation to the post will be a good move for Ireland.

Out words: EuroGroup  

Dur: 00:30  

4 day Cabotage cooling off period for hauliers “not welcome” – McManus

The Sinn Fein MEP Chris McManus says new EU rules which will impose a 4-day Cabotage cooling off period for hauliers are “not welcome”.  

The European Parliament this week passed the Mobility Package that will apply new rules for the road haulage sector including cabotage practices.  

Cabotage is the transport of goods or passengers between two places in the same country by a transport operator from another country. At the moment cabotage is limited to three operations within seven days.

However, under the new rules, there will be a cooling-off period of four days before more cabotage operations can be carried out within the same country with the same vehicle.

Chris McManus says four days is too long for peripheral states like Ireland.

Out words: empty truck

Dur: 00:38

Eurogroup presidency “great prestige” for Ireland – Kelly

The Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe will hold the presidency of the Eurogroup for the next two and a half years following his election to the position Wednesday evening. The Eurogroup is the body that brings together the finance ministers of the nineteen Eurozone countries.

The tasks of the Eurogroup president include chairing meetings, setting out the Eurogroup’s work programme and representing the group overall.

The Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly says Mr Donohoe’s elevation to the post will be a good thing for Ireland.

Out words: for us 

Dur: 00:27

 

Donohoe’s Eurogroup win a sign of Ireland’s role in Europe – Clune

The Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe has been elected the president of the Eurogroup. Mr Donohoe beat off competition this evening from the Spanish and Luxembourg finance ministers.

The Eurogroup is the body that brings together the finance ministers of the nineteen Eurozone countries.

The tasks of the Eurogroup President includes chairing meetings, setting out the Eurogroup’s work programme and representing the group overall. Minister Donohoe will hold the presidency position for the next two and a half years.

The Fine Gael MEP Deirdre Clune says Paschal Donohoe’s win is a recognition of his own abilities to make connections across Europe.

Out words: Europe recover 

Dur: 00:35

Safer working conditions for truck drivers across the EU – Clune

Working conditions for truck drivers across the EU are set to become safer and fairer in the future.

New rules on road transport were endorsed by the European Parliament this week.

MEPs approved the mobility package for road transport. The package of rules will mean more rest times for drivers, mandatory tracking devices on vehicles and clearer rules on the posting of drivers.

The Fine Gael MEP Deirdre Clune says the measures will lead to safer conditions for drivers.  

Out words : the employer

Dur : 00 :36

Covid exacerbating persistent discrimination against people with disabilities – O’Sullivan

The Covid pandemic is worsening persistent discrimination against people with disabilities.  So say MEPs in the European Parliament. 

They voted for a resolution this week calling on EU countries to ensure equal and non-discriminatory access to healthcare and social services for people with disabilities.

The European Parliament says strict lockdown measures imposed during the pandemic, caused further isolation for these people. And that it harmed their mental health and led to the disruption of regular health services.

The Green Party MEP Grace O’Sullivan says her own daughter, who has physical and intellectual disabilities, has been badly impacted by the pandemic.

Out words: the future

Dur: 00:37

MEP’s daughter with disabilities struggling with COVID closures – O’Sullivan

The Green Party MEP Grace O’Sullivan says her daughter, who has intellectual and physical disabilities, is struggling because of Covid-led closure of facilities she would normally access.  

The European Parliament this week called on EU countries to ensure equal and non-discriminatory access to healthcare and social services for people with intellectual disabilities.

MEPs say the COVID pandemic has exacerbated persistent segregation and discrimination against people with disabilities.  And that it’s exposed flaws in support systems, healthcare and education.

Grace O’Sullivan says her own 29 year old daughter has been hit badly by the pandemic.    

Out words: right now 

Dur: 00:40