EuroParlRadio

Europe’s transition to electric cars offers an opportunity for Ireland’s burgeoning renewables sector – that’s according to Billy Kelleher. The European Parliament has passed a new law phasing out the internal combustion engine. Cars and vans will have to be CO2-free by 2035. Fianna Fáil MEP, Billy Kelleher, says electric cars should be powered by renewables generated in Ireland.

Out words: European grid

Dur: 0’21”

A new Google map of Dublin has highlighted pollution hotspots. The map is based on more than 50 million data readings taken across the city over more than a year. Vehicles are a major source of urban pollution. This week the European Parliament voted through a new law that will make cars and vans CO2-free by 2035. Green MEP for Dublin, Ciarán Cuffe, says the shift will greatly improve air quality. 

Out words: About it

Dur: 0’20”

Cars must be zero emission by 2035 under a new law. The European Parliament has voted through the new law which will ban carbon dioxide emissions from new cars and vans. As a stepping stone, emissions must be cut by 55 per cent by 2030 for cars. It comes as a new Google map of Dublin has highlighted pollution hotspots in the capital. Green MEP for Dublin, Ciarán Cuffe, says, in his view, the green revolution will be here well before 2035.

Out words: Than that

Dur: 0’14”

Frances Fitzgerald is confident that US companies that have invested in Ireland are here to stay. The European Parliament has been discussing how to react to the US offering huge tax breaks to its industry. The US Inflation Reduction Act is estimated to be worth more than $300 billion. As a result, there are fears that American blue chips in Europe could shift production back across the Atlantic. Former business minister and MEP, Frances Fitzgerald, says US firms in Ireland are here to stay, but attracting new enterprise from overseas may now be more difficult.

Out words: Up our game

Dur: 0’21”

Ireland could suffer in a trade dispute between the US and Europe, Frances Fitzgerald has warned. The US has put in place a huge multi-billion aid package for its industry. In response, the EU plans to allow member states to grant generous subsidies. But former business minister and MEP, Frances Fitzgerald, fears that will allow the big economies like France and Germany to bail out their firms whilst Ireland will be left out in the cold.

Out words: Too quickly

Dur: 0’21”

Allowing MLAs to sit on the UK-EU assembly would not be enough to resolve democratic concerns, says Chris MacManus. The full details of the new Northern Ireland Protocol solution will not be known for sure until a deal is done. There is some suggestion NI assembly members will be able to join the UK-EU parliamentary assembly. But Sinn Fein’s Chris MacManus - who is himself a member of the parliamentary assembly - says on its own that will not be enough to ensure fair democratic scrutiny of laws impacting Northern Ireland.

Out words: Asked for input  

Dur: 0’23”

A deal on the Northern Ireland Protocol must also resolve the “democratic deficit” in the Brexit accords – that’s the demand by Sinn Fein MEP, Chris MacManus. Both the British government and EU sides have been optimistic in recent weeks at movement toward a new solution for the protocol. Chris MacManus says EU laws impact Northern Ireland, so the people in the North must have some way of having a say on what is enacted.

Out words: As legislators  

Dur: 0’23”

Ireland must decide whether we want spyware firms to be based here – that’s the view of Barry Andrews. In recent years various scandals have come to light about software being used to hack into or spy on people and politicians. The European Parliament will discuss the use of spyware in a debate this afternoon. Press reports have suggested at least one spyware company may be registered here in Ireland. Fianna Fáil MEP, Barry Andrews, says there should be stronger EU-wide rules controlling the sector.

Out words: A uniform way

Dur: 0‘22”

EU armour against Brexit breaches may drive the UK to a deal on the Protocol – that’s according to Sean Kelly. This lunchtime the European Parliament backed new rules which will allow the EU to sanction the UK for breaking the Brexit deal in future. Sanctions could include imposing costly trade tariffs on the UK or other similar countermeasures. Fine Gael MEP, Sean Kelly, was in charge of getting the rules through parliament. He says the British Prime Minister can now tell his party what will be at stake if they don’t come to an agreement on the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Out words: Have to pay

Dur: 0’14”

The European Parliament has voted through safeguards in case UK breaches the Brexit deal in future. The sanctions mechanism would allow the EU to react with trade tariffs and other countermeasures. Fine Gael MEP, Sean Kelly, was tasked with getting the new rules through the European Parliament. He says even if relations with the UK are currently more positive, it makes sense for the EU to be prepared for the future.

Out words: Not be tolerated  

Dur: 0’19”