Tag Archive
Irish want stronger European economic governance
First results for latest Eurobarometer Irish public opinion has shifted sharply in favour of stronger EU economic governance, according to Eurobarometer poll results published today. Along with the Finns, Ireland showed a 13% rise in those who want stronger European measures and coordination to combat the economic crisis, with a total of 77% in [...]
Central Bank Governor shocks MEP
The Governor or the Central Bank, Professor Patrick Honohan has described the bailout of Anglo Irish Bank as “costly but manageable” but he neglected to say who would pay the cost. This was stated by Marian Harkin MEP when she commented on remarks made by Professor Honohan in Hong Kong. She stated “I was shocked [...]
Small bus companies under threat from EU law
Concerns have been raised that planned EU legislation giving bus passengers the same right to compensation as those travelling by air and rail could force small Irish coach operators out of business. The European Parliament backed measures this week which would allow bus passengers claim up to $1,800 for lost luggage, or be awarded hefty [...]
EU offers €6,000 for Irish to resettle a refugee
The Irish government could receive up to €6,000 for each refugee that resettles here, under a draft law put forward by the EU. MEPs in Strasbourg have approved legislation offering financial incentives for member states that volunteer to host refugees. The programme would apply only to individuals who have already been granted asylum in third [...]
MEP says EU solidarity key to Volcanic ash crisis
Speaking during a debate in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Pat the Cope Gallagher MEP stressed that EU solidarity is the key to tackling the ash crisis. Pat the Cope Gallagher MEP called on the EU act immediately and to adopt a strong common policy to tackle the fall out from the volcanic ash cloud [...]
Maternity leave for self-employed workers
The first item up for discussion immediately following the opening of the European Parliament Plenary Session in Strasbourg on Monday will be the European Parliament’s position on the revision of an existing law about equal treatment for self-employed men and women. Among those who will contribute to the debate will be North West MEP Marian [...]
Rats! EU poison ban could boost rodent population
Pest controllers are warning that proposed EU legislation banning certain vermin poisons could lead to a massive rise in rodents throughout the bloc. The draft law being considered by the European Parliament’s Environment Committee threatens to remove all anti-coagulant rodenticides from the EU market by 2013, over potential health risks posed by the substances.
EU targets fake online medicines
A key EU committee has backed new measures against the sale of bogus drugs over the internet. MEPs insisted this week that the regulation of online pharmacies must be part of a ‘pharma-package’ directive put forward by the European Commission. Irish MEP Nessa Childers, a member of the European Parliament’s Public Health Committee, said [...]
Donegal students visit European Parliament
Transition year students from St Columba’s College in Stranorlar will visit the European Parliament in Strasbourg today to participate in the Euroscola programme. They will get the opportunity today to see what it is like to work as an MEP. They will work with students from the EU’s other 26 Member States on a range [...]
Six petitions presented by Irish people to the European Parliament today
On Monday and Tuesday, 26th and 27th April, six petitions, either submitted by Irish people or dealing directly with Ireland will be presented to MEPs at the European Parliament’s Petitions Committee in Brussels. The first of the petitions, dealing with the ’1 million 4 disability’ campaign, will be presented by former Independent MEP Kathy Sinnott. [...]
Harkin MEP secures High level European Parliament visit to Dell
Marian Harkin has convinced the European Globalisation working group of the European Parliament to visit Dell, Co. Limerick during a meeting today in Strasbourg. This visit will assess the implementation of the globalisation fund and to see how the fund is working in practice and if it is meeting the needs of the Dell workers [...]
EU Fisheries Commissioner gets Cope support
EU Commissioner-designate for Fisheries, Maria Damanaki put in a high level performance at her ratification hearing before the European Parliament’s Fisheries Committee in Strasbourg yesterday. Pat the Cope Gallagher MEP, a Member of the Fisheries Committee today expressed his strong support for the Commissioner-designate for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Maria Damanaki from Greece. [...]
Government may miss deadline for EU flood relief funds – Jim Higgins MEP
Jim Higgins MEP for Ireland North west today urged the government to ensure it applies for funding form the EU Solidarity Fund before the 27th of January deadline passes. Speaking in Strasbourg, where the European Parliament is in session this week, Jim Higgins said “As part of a delegation of Irish MEPs, I met [...]
Tainted money? Euro banknotes linked to child labour
A claim that cotton from Uzbekistan is being used in the manufacture of euro banknotes is to be investigated by the European Commission, following a request by an Irish MEP. If the claim is confirmed it could spark a massive human rights scandal, as Uzbekistan’s cotton industry is known for the widespread practice of child [...]
False Food labelling – Can you trust your dish?
Speaking in Strasbourg yesterday evening Jim Higgins Fine Gael MEP for Ireland North West outlined to European Commissioner Vassiliou the latent dangers behind many food products claiming health benefits.
Stephen Bennett – Painter
One of Ireland's finest artists in the North West