What Seán spoke about.

12

Dec

2023

EN Speech

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Minimum requirements on minimum breaks and daily and weekly rest periods in the occasional passenger transport sector (A9-0370/2023 - Henna Virkkunen)

A Uachtaráin, I voted in favour of these new rules defining the minimum rest periods for tour bus drivers, as these reforms will put agency back in the hands of the service providers and service users of the industry. Flexibility is a key part of the service-user experience, and with this reform the differences between those who drive tourist coaches and those who drive freight trucks no longer go…

12

Dec

2023

EN Speech

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EU-China relations (debate)

(Start of speech off mic) ... Mr Borrell is correct, it’s not a good time to be debating this, and he made an awful lot of points, which I wouldn’t disagree with. But at the same time, while this is a very important debate, you would not allow catch-the-eye, and the same in the previous one, which was equally important – EU-US relations. Yet, no disrespect to the High Representative, he spoke for …

12

Dec

2023

EN Speech

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EU-Taiwan trade and investment relations (debate)

,Commissioner Dombrovskis, this week’s resolution and oral question are based on an INTER hearing from July, where we heard from a number of key stakeholders, including a member of the Legislative Yuan in Taiwan, the director Joanna Sikorski from DG Trade, as well as representatives of the business community. I would particularly like to highlight the work of MEP Iuliu Winkler, who has been a very…

12

Dec

2023

EN Speech

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Framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials (debate)

A Uachtaráin, critical raw materials mean exactly that. If it is critical, you can’t do without them, and certainly in Europe we have learned that lesson. Firstly, we need to look at what’s available within Europe. I see in some countries, including my own, they’ve the mistaken idea that if you leave it in the ground in Ireland, take it out of the ground in some other country, import it into Irela…

23

Nov

2023

EN Speech

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Young researchers (debate)

, Commissioner, in the ever-changing landscape of global challenges, including complex environmental issues, multifaceted technological dilemmas like AI and global pandemics, it is the young researchers who lead the march towards groundbreaking and innovative solutions. They are the researchers and innovators of the future. The researchers that we will depend upon to create solutions to the vast e…

23

Nov

2023

EN Speech

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Implementation of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (A9-0331/2023 - Seán Kelly, Andreas Schieder) (vote)

, this implementation report is the first report of Parliament assessing the operation of the UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, but more importantly, detailing practical steps forward to improve our relationship with the UK in a manner that respects the agreements made. It seems a lifetime ago that Brexit dominated the headlines, but its effects are continuing to impact citizens and businesses. …

23

Nov

2023

EN Speech

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Digitalisation of cross-border judicial cooperation - Digitalisation of cross-border judicial cooperation (amendment of certain directives and framework decisions) (joint debate – Judicial cooperation)

A Uachtaráin, I think anything with a title of ‘cooperation’ is welcome, especially in Europe, because Europe is all about cooperation and we have to have much cooperation as possible, and it helps people to feel part of the European Union. So judicial cooperation is absolutely essential as well. As colleagues pointed out, in this day and age, to be depending on paper and emails is not the way to …

21

Nov

2023

EN Speech

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Union certification framework for carbon removals (A9-0329/2023 - Lídia Pereira)

A Uachtaráin, I supported the carbon removal certification framework proposal that aims to establish an effective certification system for carbon removal and sequestration from the atmosphere. In the ITRE Committee, as the EPP rapporteur, I was strongly in favour of ensuring carbon farming would be eligible – an all-stick-no-carrot approach with the result if not including carbon farming. This, in…

21

Nov

2023

EN Speech

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Framework of measures for strengthening Europe’s net-zero technology products manufacturing ecosystem (Net Zero Industry Act) (A9-0343/2023 - Christian Ehler)

A Uachtaráin, I voted in favour of the Net-Zero Industry Act, as it stands as a crucial legislative measure actively addressing the escalating impacts of climate change. The proposal’s core objective is to bolster European manufacturing capacity for net-zero technologies, addressing barriers that hinder scalability in Europe while enhancing the EU’s energy resilience. I particularly support the Ac…

21

Nov

2023

EN Speech

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Common rules promoting the repair of goods (A9-0316/2023 - René Repasi)

Madam President, I vote in support of this proposal, as it directly delivers on the key priority of the European Green Deal: sustainable consumption. The introduction of common rules promoting the repair of goods is a proactive step towards the EU’s transition to a circular economy. Often, when the product malfunctions, the default and seemingly convenient choice is to dispose of it, contributing …

21

Nov

2023

EN Speech

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Harnessing talent in Europe’s regions (short presentation)

Madam President, this is a very important topic, continuing on from our last topic, and I would like to compliment the rapporteur – very long name – colleague Maestre Martín De Almagro – on a great job. But it reminds me of the Bible and our Lord speaking about the talents. One had the five talents, another had three, another had one. He was very happy with those who use their talents, but he near…

21

Nov

2023

EN Speech

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Job creation – the just transition and impact investments (short presentation)

A Uachtaráin, congratulations to colleague Matthieu on a very fine report covering the essential aspects. One thing is very clear, as colleague Matthieu said, we are not going to reach the targets of the Green Deal without a huge investment in job creation, particularly in relation to skills. If you talk to any business across Europe right now, one of the biggest problems they have is recruiting. …

21

Nov

2023

EN Speech

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Innovative humanitarian aid strategy: spotlight on current and forgotten crises (short presentation)

A Uachtaráin, this might be a bit late, but this is a very important topic. And indeed the European Union deserves huge credit for the amount of development and humanitarian aid it is giving right around the world. It is not recognised enough and we don’t announce it enough. Having said that, as the rapporteur Zorrinho said, we can do more and particularly in the context of the next MFF, an increa…

21

Nov

2023

EN Speech

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Recent developments at the EU’s external border between Finland and Russia and the need to uphold EU law (debate)

A Uachtaráin, I have great admiration for Finland, who have historically had to stand up to Russia, and did so successfully, and now are doing the same in this unfortunate situation. Russia tried to stop them from joining NATO, they didn’t bow to them, and now they’re using another method to undermine Finland. But thankfully Finland are again responding in a humane manner, but also in a strong man…

21

Nov

2023

EN Speech

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Proposals of the European Parliament for the amendment of the Treaties (debate)

A Uachtaráin, Commissioner, two years ago, during the Conference on the Future of Europe, EU citizens demanded comprehensive EU reform, with some of the most ambitious proposals requiring changes to the EU Treaties. Since the Treaty of Lisbon, much has changed in the world, and the EU has faced a multitude of crises: we had the financial crisis, the pandemic, the migration crisis, a growing climat…

21

Nov

2023

EN Question

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Proposals of the European Parliament for the amendment of the Treaties (debate)

In 14 years in Parliament, this is only the second time I have availed of blue-cards. So I have a question for you. You said we were useless, that we were getting paid to do nothing, that we were ineffective. How would you classify yourself and what are you getting paid for?…

21

Nov

2023

EN Speech

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Packaging and packaging waste (debate)

A Uachtaráin, I come from Killarney. My native town is the tourist capital of Ireland and I am very pleased to see reference to it by my colleague here today. There is a very active TidyTowns Committee there, including, I am pleased to say, my wife, people like Johnny McGuire, Carmel Foley, Padraig Tracey, Louise Byrne and former Councillor Mick Gleeson. They saw that in Ireland, the 200 million c…

21

Nov

2023

GA Speech

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EU/New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (debate)

Mr President, I would like to commend the Rapporteur Daniel Caspary and Commissioner Dombrovskis for advancing this free trade compromise. It's time for us because we haven't done one in a long time. And if we can't do one with New Zealand, which country could we have a free trade compromise with? I was fortunate to be in Australia and New Zealand a year ago with the Trade Committee during these t…

21

Nov

2023

EN Speech

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Strengthening the CO2 emission performance targets for new heavy-duty vehicles (debate)

A Uachtaráin, we would like to have one letter or word added to the title here: ‘strengthening the CO2 emission performance targets – and support – for new heavy-duty vehicles’. Because if the targets are to be met, you have to have support. Recently I attended the Irish Road Haulage Association dinner in my hometown of Killarney. It was quite clear that the industry is committed to reducing emiss…

21

Nov

2023

EN Speech

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Sustainable use of plant protection products (debate)

A Uachtaráin, I think, as a result of all the legislation we have passed in this mandate, many farmers feel sometimes under attack and certainly not appreciated. And that’s a pity, because many are making huge efforts to farm sustainably and reduce their carbon footprint. For instance, in Ireland, the targets in the Pesticides Directive have already been met and farmers should have great credit fo…

20

Nov

2023

EN Speech

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UN Climate Change Conference 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (COP28) (debate)

Madam President, in the aftermath of COP27, where progress and setbacks were laid bare, our attention is now sharply focused on the imminent COP28 and the pressing matter of climate finance. First and foremost, the pivotal role played by the European Union in UN climate talks must be recognised and persist in the upcoming discussions in Dubai. The question at the forefront remains: Who will bear t…

9

Nov

2023

EN Speech

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System of own resources of the European Union (A9-0295/2023 - José Manuel Fernandes, Valérie Hayer)

A Uachtaráin, in principle, I am a great believer in own resources for the EU. I think it is a good thing. It means less direct taxation from Member States and that in itself will get rid of some of the populism we hear so often about Europe taking money from taxpayers directly from the Member States. Own resources, especially in relation to ETS and CBAM, makes absolute sense, and it is essential …

9

Nov

2023

GA Speech

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Type-approval of motor vehicles and engines with respect to their emissions and battery durability (Euro 7) (A9-0298/2023 - Alexandr Vondra)

Mr President, I am pleased to say a little bit about this report, thank you Mr President. I voted for this proposal as it seeks to update the Euro emission standards to introduce more stringent air pollutant emission limits for internal combustion engine vehicles sold in the EU, with a view to meeting the European Green Deal’s zero pollution ambition – very important for the environment and for pe…

8

Nov

2023

EN Speech

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Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 26-27 October 2023 - Humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the need for a humanitarian pause (joint debate - Conclusions of the European Council and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the need for a humanitarian pause)

A Uachtaráin, Commissioner Šefčovič, I condemn the reprehensible acts committed by Hamas against innocent civilians. Their actions are without justification and their bloodlust has only brought devastation to their own community, whom they say they represent. Israel does have the right to defend itself, but this is not a blank cheque. The mass bombing of civilians is not the answer. The welfare of…

19

Oct

2023

EN Speech

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Generational renewal in the EU farms of the future (A9-0283/2023 - Isabel Carvalhais)

A Uachtaráin, there is growing concern over the ageing of European farmers. So I was happy to vote for this resolution as it emphasises the need for robust policies to support young and new entrants to the farming industry. Young farmers can be the catalyst for innovation and sustainability in farming practices. They are more likely to introduce fresh ideas and embrace sustainable agricultural pra…