Positive signs that the ozone layer is repairing itself show that environmental protection works, that’s according to Grace O’Sullivan. MEPs have voted this lunchtime for a ban on ozone-depleting substances. The UN believes, at the current rate, the hole above the Artic may have closed by 2045, and above Antarctica around the year 2066. Green MEP, Grace O’Sullivan, says it shows international action can make a vital difference to the future of the planet.

The European Parliament has voted for new bans on chemicals damaging the ozone layer. Green MEP, Grace O’Sullivan, was a climate activist in Antarctica when a hole in the Ozone layer was discovered in the 1980s. It led to a ban on widely used chemicals known as CFCs. In recent years there have been signs the holes may be closing, but there are still other chemicals in use that cause ozone damage. Now the European Parliament has demanded ozone-depleting substances are banned. There will be exemptions for fire safety materials and military use. Grace O’Sullivan says it is important to keep up the momentum.

Out words: Week in Brussels

Dur: 0’15”

Peace in Northern Ireland is one of the EU’s greatest achievements – that’s according to Barry Andrews. Speaking in the European Parliament this afternoon at the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, the Fianna Fáil MEP argued that the European Union has played a central role in sustaining peace.

Out words: Been impossible

Dur: 0’23”

The European Parliament is marking the 25th anniversary of the Belfast/ Good Friday Agreement. The plenary session began with a special ceremony in Brussels. Here’s European Parliament president, Roberta Metsola, opening the session this afternoon.

Out words: Between people

Dur: 0’23”

It is important that the EU remembers its role in the Good Friday Agreement and developments since then – that’s according to Chris MacManus. The European Parliament is commemorating the 25th anniversary of the agreement with events this afternoon in Brussels. Sinn Fein’s Chris MacManus says the EU has played an important part for a number of reasons.

Out words: And services

Dur: 0’20”

Irish MEPs have put political differences aside to commemorate the Good Friday Agreement. The European Parliament is marking the upcoming 25th anniversary with events this afternoon. Sinn Fein’s Chris MacManus is co-hosting the Brussels event alongside the Greens, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. He says the Good Friday Agreement is rightly lauded in the EU and around the world.

Out words: All of us

Dur: 0’16”

Positive signs that the ozone layer is repairing itself show that environmental protection works, that’s according to Grace O’Sullivan. MEPs have voted this lunchtime for a ban on ozone-depleting substances. The UN believes, at the current rate, the hole above the Artic may have closed by 2045, and above Antarctica around the year 2066. Green MEP, Grace O’Sullivan, says it shows international action can make a vital difference to the future of the planet.

Out words: For climate change

Dur: 0’23”

An EU Special Envoy for Northern Ireland would be a central contact point for the democratic process in Northern Ireland – that’s according to Deirdre Clune. Along with her Fine Gael colleagues, she has put forward the idea of a Special Envoy to the President of the European Commission. The European Parliament's President has also been consulted. Northern Ireland remains in the Single Market for goods, but because of Brexit, it no longer has political representation in the EU. Fine Gael MEP, Deirdre Clune, says the EU is aware of the democratic deficit this has created so she thinks the idea of a Special Envoy will be openly considered. 

The EU should recruit a Special Envoy for Northern Ireland – that’s the proposal being put forward by Fine Gael. The five Fine Gael MEPs have written to the President of the European European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the EU's Brexit negotiator, Maroš Šefčovič, about the idea. It comes ahead of a commemoration event to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement taking place in Brussels on Wednesday. Fine Gael’s MEP for Ireland South, Deirdre Clune, says the Special Envoy would help resolve the democratic deficit she says Brexit has created for the North.

Out words: Influence when they can

Dur: 0’27”

Sinn Fein MEP Chris MacManus has invited members of the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee to visit his constituency and talk to farmers there.

The Midlands North-West MEP wants his European colleagues to see and hear how Brexit is impacting farmers in the region. He said it’s important they hear first-hand how farmers are being effected by Brexit and other global challenges. Chris MacManus talked to Karen Coleman from EuroParlRadio about his invite to members of the Ag committee. Here’s that interview.

Out words: be done

Dur: 03:24