MEP Clune: ‘Preparing for AI in the workplace must start in the classroom’
MEP Clune, who is a lead legislator on the AI Regulation in the European Parliament, has emphasised the importance of providing equal access to technological education for young people and employees.
‘The single biggest overhaul of EU water policy in 30 years’ – MEP Clune finalises negotiations on improving water quality standards
This week (April 11th), MEPs will endorse the agreement between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on the revision of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive. The legislation, which is a key initiative under the EU zero pollution plan for air, water and soil, now provides for a steady expansion of urban wastewater collection systems, connecting many more households, while pursuing stricter and more ambitious clean water targets by eliminating the broadest spectrum of pollutants and nutrients.
MEP Clune – ‘Europe’s New Customs Rules will save €2 billion a year’
The European Parliament voted last week on a major overhaul of the EU’s Customs Union, including the creation of a single EU Customs Authority. The lead lawmaker working on the legislation, Irish MEP Deirdre Clune has said that this is the most ambitious and comprehensive reforms of the Customs Union since its establishment in 1968.
Europe votes on Artificial Intelligence: Clune welcomes first ever rules governing AI
Following almost two years of negotiation, the European Parliament has overwhelmingly voted in favour of the world's first ever proposal on harmonised rules on artificial intelligence (AI). Lead lawmaker for the drafting of the EU’s AI Act, Irish MEP Deirdre Clune has welcomed the political agreement.
Fine Gael MEPs to support Nature Restoration Law
The five Fine Gael MEPs have confirmed that they will vote in favour of the EU's proposed Nature Restoration Law during plenary votes at the European Parliament, Strasbourg today (Tuesday). The new law sets EU plans to restore at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030 and all ecosystems by 2050.
EU lawmakers vote to ban ‘greenwashing’ and penalise companies who make fake claims
The European Parliament's Internal Market and Environment committees adopted their position on the EU Green Claims Directive, which seeks to put an end to greenwashing by requiring companies to make sure environmental claims are verified and backed by scientific evidence.
Addressing Ireland’s Medicine Shortages: The EU’s List of Critical Medicines – Deirdre Clune MEP
In response to the worsening medicine shortages in Ireland, Deirdre Clune, MEP for Ireland South, has welcomed the recently published list of critical medicines by the European Medicines Agency.
Deal Done on Europe’s AI Act- Landmark Regulation for Artificial Intelligence
Lead lawmaker for the drafting of the EU's Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act, MEP Deirdre Clune has welcomed the political agreement by the European Parliament and the Council on the Artificial Intelligence Act
European Parliament adopt a Right to Repair
The European Parliament has voted to enact new rules introducing the "Right to Repair" for consumers.
MEP Clune Champions HPV Vaccination Programme in honour of Laura Brennan
Earlier this month, Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune welcomed Larry and Bernie Brennan to the European Parliament
Statement from Deirdre Clune
“Earlier this month, I informed the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, that I will not be seeking nomination from my party to contest the European elections in June 2024
CLUNE: NOW IS THE TIME TO BRING UKRAINE INTO EU FOLD
"Now is the time to start accession negotiations",
Clune urges return of abducted children following visit to Ukraine
"It is only when you step foot inside Ukraine that you get real sense of an active war being on our doorstep"
Clune named as Lead Negotiator for European Customs Reform
“The most ambitious and comprehensive reform of the EU Customs Union since its establishment in 1968”.
EU Parliament to pass law improving water quality standards
The Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive will mandate countries to step-up efforts in removing harmful micro-pollutants
Your Carry-on Guide: European Parliament votes to tackle inconsistencies in airline hand luggage policies
"The inconsistencies in airline policies create unfairness and inconvenience for travellers, especially those with connecting flights on different carriers"
Empowering Consumers: MEP Clune backs EU Consumers Directive
The European Parliament's recent approval of the ground-breaking Consumer Credits Directive marks a significant milestone in consumer credit protection
Clune hosts Cork youth delegation in Brussels
Clune recently welcomed a group of young leaders from her constituency to the European Parliament in Brussels as part of the EPP Group Youth Week.
EU Zero Pollution goal one step closer to reality
Member States, including Ireland will have to remove harmful micro-pollutants and monitor micro-plastics released into wastewaters
Clune’s Cancer Proposals voted in European Parliament
Amendments on the ‘Right to be Forgotten’ for cancer survivors, tabled by Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune have been included
The AI Revolution in healthcare is here
Clune has spoken of the potential for Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies to transform the healthcare landscape
New EU Rules to enhance online safety coming into force
Clune has welcomed new EU rules designed to curb potentially harmful practices carried out through online service providers and large social media platforms
No Green Deal without Restoring Nature
Fine Gael MEP Deirdre Clune has voted for a Nature Restoration Law
Clune calls for further measures to support long COVID Patients
Shedding Light on an Invisible Battle: Clune Calls for Further Measures to Support Long COVID Patients
Port of Cork key to maximising Ireland’s Offshore Wind Potential
'The Port of Cork is key to maximising Ireland’s offshore wind energy potential.'
Clune hosts small business workshop in Cork
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune hosted a recent Fine Gael Small Business and Enterprise Council Workshop in Cork
Clune highlights EU assistance for people affected by dementia
MEP Clune, who is Vice-Chairperson of the European Alzheimer’s Alliance, says “Dementia is a health and social issue that requires a community response across Ireland and the EU.
Clune wants EU Special Envoy for Northern Ireland
MEP Deirdre Clune says an EU Special Envoy to Northern Ireland will help bridge a democratic deficit.
Clune holds talks with County Councillors in Brussels
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has been discussing the needs of local Irish communities with county and city councillors in Brussels.
Clune appointed to European Parliament Health Committee
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has been appointed to the newly established Health Sub-Committee in the European Parliament.
Clune hails ‘right to be forgotten’ commitment as great news for Cancer survivors
The ‘Right to be Forgotten’ means people don’t have to disclose previous cancer diagnoses to banks and insurance companies, provided a certain time has elapsed since the end of their treatment.
Clune welcomes new rules for European health data
The European Health Data Space (EHDS) is designed to boost the exchange of health data, strengthen people's control of their medical records and help research and development.
Clune welcomes EU-Wide innovative Cancer imaging plan
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune is welcoming a new EU-wide innovative platform to help diagnose cancer.
Data Protection Day ideal time for password Spring clean
People across Ireland are being encouraged to mark World Data Protection Day with a Password Spring Clean.
Clune calls for Europe-Wide Solutions for Medicine Shortages
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune says an EU wide approach is needed to solve the significant medicine shortages in Ireland and across Europe.
New Committee essential to EU health ambitions
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune is calling for the establishment of a dedicated Health Committee at the European Parliament.
Safer Internet Day more important than ever in 2022
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune, says Safer Internet Day (today, February 8th) is more important than ever in 2022.
Common phone charger – A step closer
Charger clutter could soon be a thing of the past, with the news that the European Council has backed proposals for a common standard. The new law aims to ensure all smartphones, tablets and similar devices, recharged by a wired cable, use a USB Type-C port, regardless of brand and make.
Clune launches major health report
Ireland South MEP Deidre Clune has launched a major new report into Maternal Health in the European Union. The study, by the European Institute of Women’s Health, seeks to eliminate preventable deaths from complications of pregnancy and childbirth.
Data protection day ideal time for password Spring clean
People are being encouraged to mark World Data Protection Day with a Password Spring Clean. This Friday, the 28th of January will mark the 16th Data Protection Day, an event held globally to raise awareness of the right to data protection.
800 people in Ireland have secured a place on the Discover EU free travel scheme
MEP Deirdre Clune today congratulated nearly 800 people in Ireland who have secured a place on the Discover EU free travel scheme. The initiative gives young people the opportunity to travel around Europe, learn from other cultures and build new friendships.
Irish applicants win almost 800 EU youth travel passes
MEP Deirdre Clune today congratulated nearly 800 people in Ireland who have secured a place on the Discover EU free travel scheme. The initiative gives young people the opportunity to travel around Europe, learn from other cultures and build new friendships.
Young people in Ireland will be celebrated this year as part of European year of the youth
The EU has dedicated the year 2022 as the year to celebrate young people all across Europe. The pandemic has had a significant negative effect on young people and the European Year of Youth will be a chance to bring their needs to the forefront. Young people in Ireland will be invited to participate in various events as part of the celebrations.
Brexit is a ‘Game Changer’ for consumers this Black Friday
Brexit is a 'Game Changer’ for consumers this Black Friday with shoppers urged to act with caution when buying from the UK in Black Friday sales.
Fair conditions for arts workers called for across Europe
Fair working conditions for people working in the arts sectors have been called for by the European Parliament. There is a need for a common European framework for working conditions in the cultural and creative sectors for the almost 8 million workers in the arts industry, according to MEPs.
New rules to better protect victims when motor accidents occur and insuring vehicles
The European Parliament has approved the introduction of revisions to the Motor Insurance Directive (MID). Speaking in the European Parliament, Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune welcomed the vote and declared it a “good day for consumers”.
Aviation sector must be a priority with connectivity a priority for Cork and Shannon
The aviation sector must be a priority in any post-pandemic recovery plans. This is according to Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune who highlighted the need for connectivity at our regional airports.
Free Interrail tickets made available for young Irish people to travel Europe
The European Commission today launched a new DiscoverEU competition. They will provide free travel rail passes to 60,000 Europeans aged from 18 to 20 years, thanks to the DiscoverEU initiative. Irish people can apply for a number of tickets from today.
EU – UK Parliamentary Assembly
MEPs will take part in a new EU-UK Assembly. Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has welcomed this as signs of “further cooperation between Europe and the UK in a post Brexit era”.
New road safety measures proposed on speed, technology and drink driving
Europe remains the continent with the safest roads in the world. Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune is supporting new road safety measures being considered such as a 30 km per hour speed limit and zero-tolerance for drink-driving. These measures are being proposed by MEPs in Europe and they say measures like these are the only way to reach zero deaths on EU roads by 2050.
National Development Plan
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has welcomed the National Development Plan adding that we need a good road infrastructure for all vehicles, including electric vehicles, electric goods vehicles and electric buses.
Fair conditions for arts workers called for across Europe
There is a need for a common European framework for working conditions in the cultural and creative sectors for the almost 8 million workers in the arts industry, according to MEPs. The European Parliament’s Culture and Education Committee has called for the creation of an EU-wide framework on working conditions and minimum standards for all artists in a report.
The end of charger clutter in our homes – European Proposal
European Parliament working on legislative proposal for a common charger. Reducing electronic waste and making life easier for consumers are just two of the reasons to introduce a common charger in the EU.
Better care for childhood cancer needed across the EU
"Gold September” marks Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This campaign was started by parents, patients, and survivors of childhood cancer in Europe with the purpose of raising and recognising issues related to paediatric cancer.
IRELAND SOUTH TO BENEFIT FROM FUNDING TO HELP SUPPORT REMOTE WORK
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has welcomed the investment in supporting remote working hubs across Ireland. In total €4 million has been dedicated to several projects in Ireland South by the Government. This funding will help to develop existing remote working...
EU preparing plans in case of future health crisis
Strengthen role for European Medicines Agency (EMA) welcomed - MEP Deirdre Clune The EU is planning to be better equipped to manage future health crises. The European Parliament has approved a proposal to strengthen the European Medicines Agency (EMA), following on...
BUILDING MATERIALS SHORTAGE IMPACTING COMPANIES AND CONSUMERS
Shortage of building materials across Europe - action needed urgently - MEP Clune A severe shortage of materials is impacting the building sector across Europe. Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has highlighted the need for action on increasing the supply of...
MEP Deirdre Clune congratulates Women’s Aid on their European Citizen’s Prize win
MEP Deirdre Clune and her Fine Gael colleagues in the European Parliament have warmly congratulated Women’s Aid on winning the European Citizen’s Prize 2021, following a nomination by the MEPs for the charity’s “Too Into You” campaign. “I am delighted that Women’s...
CLEANER BEACHES AND SEAS IN THE FUTURE AS SINGLE USE PLASTIC ITEMS BANNED IN IRELAND
Plastic straws, cotton bud sticks and plastic cutlery banned as part of EU Directive Irish beaches and seas can expect to become cleaner as single use plastic items are banned in Ireland. There are also new regulations planned for balloon, crisp and wet-wipe...
ZENITH ENERGY AND EI-H2 ANNOUNCE JOINT VENTURE FOR GREEN ENERGY FACILITY AT BANTRY BAY
Zenith Energy and EI-H2 have announced plans for a joint venture to develop a 3.2 gigawatt (GW) green energy facility at Bantry Bay to produce green hydrogen and green ammonia. The project will involve the engagement of key stakeholders in conducting a detailed...
IMPROVED HEALTH PROTECTION FOR EU CITIZENS WITH ENHANCED ROLE FOR ECDC
The Environment and Public Health Committee of the European Parliament has proposed to boost the mandate of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). This is in direct response to the pandemic to strengthen the remit of the ECDC. ...
PLANS ANNOUNCED FOR EU CYBER EMERGENCY GROUP
The European Commission has announced plans to build a new Joint Cyber Unit to help combat the growing number of serious cyber incidents. A joint approach to this growing problem is required, according to Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune who has welcomed the...
MEPs vote for new Climate Law calling on all citizens to “Play their Part” Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune – we must ‘step up’ and ensure everyone takes responsibility
All Member States, including Ireland must “step up” and work towards new climate targets set by the EU. The European Parliament has today voted to adopt the new EU Climate Law. They are calling for ambitious 2030 and 2040 emissions reduction targets. The...
European Parliament approves new procedures for vaccines against Covid-19 variants
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune said that we must ensure that we have better regulatory approval procedures in place to allow for COVID-19 vaccines that are adapted to new variants. MEP Clune said by adopting quicker procedures similar to authorisations for...
IRISH PEOPLE ENCOURAGED TO HAVE THEIR SAY ON THE FUTURE RUNNING OF EUROPE
MEP Deirdre Clune chosen as a representative for the Conference on the Future of Europe Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune will be representing the European Parliament this weekend for the inaugural meeting on the Conference on the Future of Europe. MEP...
Disproportionate impact of Covid- 19 for people living with disability
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has highlighted the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on people living with disability, and has supported a resolution this week in the European Parliament for a new, responsive Disability Strategy post-2020. The resolution was...
Businesses must work with employees to facilitate flexible working
Support is needed now more than ever for employees looking for flexible working conditions. This is according to Deirdre Clune, Ireland South MEP who said businesses support women and men in the workforce. MEP Clune added that the current pandemic situation has...
EASA and ECDC guidelines for flying
In the coming weeks, as airlines begin to fly again, ensuring the health safety of air travellers and aviation personnel will be key to the safe resumption of air travel. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the European Centre for Disease...
Next Generation EU
Repair and prepare for the next generation is the message that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered this week with the proposal for a major recovery plan for Europe. The proposal is for €750 billion through Next Generation EU, on top of the...
This week in Parliament – Easing restrictions
To my constituents, I hope this update finds you well and that many of you will be happy to see Ireland proceed with Phase 1 of our plan to ease the COVID-19 restrictions on Monday. This week in the European Parliament was a busy one, with a meeting of the...
Online presence more important than ever for companies
Under the Government’s National Digital Strategy, the expanded Trading Online Voucher Scheme helps small businesses with up to 10 employees to trade more online, boost sales and reach new markets. There is up to €2,500 available through the Local Enterprise...
This week in Parliament – On the eve of Europe Day
Dear constituents, This week brought some relief to the measures we have been living with to tackle Covid 19. There is still a long way to go but I hope this has helped ease the situation for you a little and that you have been able to get some fresh air this week....
This week in Parliament – Thank you and continued work
To my constituents, I hope this message finds you all as well as can be, given the very difficult situation in which we find ourselves. It is a very challenging time and indeed a very sad one, my deepest sympathies to those who are dealing with the illness or loss...
Covid-19 (coronavirus) information
Updates The Irish government has made available the latest information on the virus, including health advice, public health measures and the latest updates. Read more here Detailed information can also be found on the HSE website here European Response The European...
Holiday Makers Should Apply for their Free European Health Insurance Card
Irish people heading on holidays should ensure they apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which could save them a lot of money should they need to use a hospital abroad. By holding a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) Irish residents are entitled to...
Farmers Play a Key Role in Tackling Climate Change
Farmers play a key role in tackling climate change, protecting the environment and preserving landscapes and biodiversity. The proposed revision of CAP which was recently agreed by the European Parliament, sets out high ambitions on environmental and climate change...
Young People in Ireland Can Apply for Free Travel Pass to Visit Europe
DiscoverEU: 20,000 additional travel passes available for 18-year-olds to experience Europe Today, the European Commission is launching a new call for applications for DiscoverEU travel passes. All 18-year-olds in the EU, including Ireland have until 16 May 2019 to...
€1.3 Billion Fund For Young People in Ireland and Europe
Young people living in Ireland can avail of funding to support their volunteer activities. This news comes as European Youth Week begins. From 29th April until 5th May, the ninth edition of European Youth Week is taking place across Europe. This year's theme is...
Parents need to be supported in the workforce
It is in everyone’s interest that more support is given to working parents and we must give a clear message to parents that society values what they are doing. The is a hugely talented workforce in Ireland that is often ignored as they try to juggle their family...
European Parliament Approves Rules to Introduce Safety Features for Cars and Trucks
From May 2022 for new models and from May 2024 for existing models, cars must be equipped with more life-saving technology. The new rules will introduce about 30 life-saving technologies. For big vehicles like trucks and buses that often cannot see a pedestrian or...
Enhanced Support for Workers in Ireland and Those Working Abroad
The establishment of the European Labour Authority (ELA) has been approved at European level. The ELA will offer support for Irish workers either at home or for those working in another EU country by providing access for individuals and employers to information on...
New Rules Approve to Protect ‘On-Demand’ Workers
The European Parliament has approved new rules to protect workers in ‘on-demand’ jobs such as Deliveroo. The rules will set out minimum rights and demands increased transparency for those workers in the so-called "gig economy" or those on zero-hour contracts. The...
Irish students can apply to training programme to get first-hand experience in EU journalism
Journalism students in Ireland and across the EU are invited to apply for the 2019 edition of the Youth4Regions programme. Applicants are asked to send their best words or images on an EU-funded project to win a trip to Brussels and cover the 2019 European Week of...
Ireland: the third-best performer in Europe for road safety in 2018
Ireland was the third-best performer for road safety in 2018, with 31 deaths per million inhabitants, according to figures released by the EU today. Ireland also improved by 30% between 2010 and 2018, according to the data. Across Europe fewer people died on roads...
Step Closer Towards More Leave And Flexible Working for Parents
Securing a better work-life balance for working parents has moved a step forward. MEPs voted in favour today of the agreement reached by the Council and the Parliament on the Work-Life Balance Directive. This is a great step towards a better work-life balance for...
European funding for Erasmus Programme
Irish students can continue to avail of funding for Erasmus+ as the programme continues to grow and develop. The European Parliament has proposed to increase the budget to over €40 billion for the future period (2021-2027) and this will triple participation in the...
Over €3 million available to support healthy eating habits for Irish schoolchildren
Children all across Ireland will receive milk, fruit and vegetables under the EU's School Scheme in 2019/2020. This programme reached over 20 million children across the EU during the school year 2017/2018. In Ireland €2.2 million is being made available in the EU...
Ireland Has The Potential To Become A Cyber Security Hub
Four out of five EU citizens are concerned about their online privacy and security, according to a special Eurobarometer survey. Seventy-nine percent of respondents said they thought there’s an increasing risk of being a victim of cybercrime but 61 percent think...
Young Parents Need Our Support as They Return to the Workforce
Parents of young children need support from the State, society and employers. Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has welcomed the news that the National Children's Scheme has been launched, which aims to make childcare more accessible to parents. The cost of childcare...
Warning to J1 Students and Holidaymakers
With many students planning their J1 trips to America and holidaymakers travelling Stateside, MEP Deirdre Clune has warned them to be aware of fake overcharging websites. Any Irish people travelling to America must register for an Esta (Electronic System for Travel...
Just one manager out of three in the EU is a woman – with even less in senior management positions
Ahead of International Women’s Day tomorrow a survey from Eurostat found that: Nearly 9.4 million people hold a managerial position in the European Union - 6.0 million men (64% of all managers) and 3.4 million women (36%) In Ireland - 41% of managers are female,...
Scrap the Clock Changes by 2021
The European Parliament’s Transport and Tourism Committee has today said that seasonal clock changes should be abolished in 2021 and it is up to the Member States to choose between winter or summer time. Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune is the only Irish member of...
DAA Report on Cork Airport Shows Growth is Set to Continue
Cork Airport plans to outperform all other airports in Ireland in 2019 as it achieves its fourth consecutive year of growth. This is according to a briefing note from the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) whichI have seen. The note said that the outlook for Cork...
Funding Available for Short Term Twinning Projects
Towns all across Ireland should consider applying for funding for short-term Town Twinning projects. Town Twinning is hugely popular around Europe but towns around Ireland can also avail of funding for community and cultural organisations to engage in short-term...
Uncertainty for airlines and flights in event of no-deal Brexit
The European Parliament will tomorrow discuss common rules ensuring basic air connectivity following a no-deal Brexit. They also hope to agree to aviation safety with regard how airlines will operate in the event of a no-deal Brexit. One of the main topics for...
Let’s Keep the Internet Safe for Everyone – Safer Internet Day
On Safer Internet Day the focus is on ‘Together for a better internet’ and I believe we need to make sure we are all working towards a safer online world. It could be parents protecting their children, companies protecting their employees or users themselves making...
Agreement Reached On Work/Life Balance
The European Parliament and the Council have reached a deal on a Work/Life Balance Package. The aim of the measures is to help workers balance their professional and family lives and to work towards a modern family policy and economic prosperity for families all...
Enhanced Supports for Workers Made Redundant in Ireland
Changes just announced to the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) will mean more supports will now be available for people who are made redundant in Ireland. One of the main changes is that workers who are made redundant in smaller countries, such as...
New Road and Vehicle Safety Rules Agreed – 500 deaths on European roads each week
A successful scheme which was launched in France to encourage road safety should be considered in Ireland. In France the “Ville Prudente” (Safer Towns) label is given to cities and towns. regardless of their size, that develop an active road safety policy “in order...
Statement: Brian Crowley MEP
Brian Crowley has made a significant contribution over the last quarter of a century to both European and national politics. I wish him well and as a relatively young man, I know he has much yet to contribute. He is someone who is hugely involved in community life,...
New Rules for those who Misplace Passports Arbroad
New rules adopted by the European Parliament will make it easier and safer for those who lose their passports, have them stolen or damaged when travelling outside the EU to get temporary documents from any EU Member State’s consulate in a shorter period. These...
Free Rail Tickets for Irish 18 year olds
More than 14,500 18-year-olds have been selected from almost 80,000 applications to receive an interrail pass. Participants will be able to travel between 15 April and 31 October 2019 for up to 30 days. In Ireland 2,366 people applied in this round and 131 tickets...
New Laws on Registering Drones in Ireland to Come into Effect this Year
New laws which requires owners of drones in Ireland that weigh more than 250 grams to register the device will come into effect this year. Previously it was only drones over 1KG that had to be registered. For the first time ever, Europe-wide rules for the...
American Style Air Space Management is Needed in Europe
We must reorganise European airspace to ensure passengers face less delays when they are travelling by air, according to Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune. To ensure this happens more cooperation is needed between national air navigation service providers. There...
Christmas Toy Packaging and Selection Box Waste Should Be Recycled
Christmas can be a plastic-heavy time with toy packaging, selection boxes and Christmas crackers. I urge people to remember to recycle plastic, waste cardboard and paper and other items over the Christmas period. There are many items that we use at Christmas time...
More EU Funding Being Made Available for Young People
The European Commission has published a new call for proposals under the European Solidarity Corps. More than €96 million is being made available to support solidarity activities for young people in 2019. Solidarity activities include helping rebuild communities...
New Rules on Online Shopping Come into Force this Week
Irish people are now able to shop online without unjustified geo-blocking wherever they are in the EU. The new rules came into force on 3rd December this week. Geo-blocking is the practice of using territorial licensing restrictions in online and offline...
Services for accessibility on the Irish Rail network do not go far enough
The additional services to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities on the Irish rail network does not match the proposals voted by at the European Parliament. Although it is welcome that more is being done to help people with disabilities who use the rail...
European Globalisation Fund to be Enhanced
The European Parliament's Employment and Social Affairs Committee have adopted changes to the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) from 2021 onwards. One of the major changes of the new version of this fund is that workers who are made redundant in smaller...
Flushable Wet Wipes Causing Sewer Blockages
A major investigation in the UK has found that wet wipes being sold as ‘flushable’ are causing extreme damage to the environment. Many of these products under investigation are also on sale in Ireland. The investigation found that wet wipes don't break down and are...
Calls to Open European Airspace
More cooperation is needed between national air navigation service providers to ensure there is a reduction in flight congestions. There needs to be more effective management of the European airspace network and movement on the Single European Sky Package, which...
Alert System in Emergency for European Citizens
A European wide alert system, called Reverse112 has been approved to be introduced in all Member States. It will now be mandatory for EU citizens and visitors to receive alerts directly on their phone in case of a large emergency. This directive will bring...
Online Shopping Across Europe to be Made Easier From Next Month
From 3rd of December Irish people will be able to shop online without unjustified geo-blocking wherever they are in the EU. Geo-blocking is the practice of using territorial licensing restrictions in online and offline transactions of physical goods and the...
Statement: Brian Hayes MEP
Brian has been a great colleague and has excelled in his time at the Department of Finance and here in Brussels as a member of the Econ committee defending and defining Ireland’s economic position. I wish him the very best in his retirement from political life. He...
Free Wifi Hotspots in parks and town centres
Funding has been secured to introduce free Wifi hotspots to public spaces in Ireland. The EU is making €120m available for local authorities over the next three years as part of the Wifi4EU scheme. Local authorities can apply for vouchers worth €15,000 to provide...
Irish Employees are Among The Most Satisfied in Europe with Their Work/Life Balance
Flexible work arrangements are not available for one in three Europeans, according to the latest Eurobarometer survey. The survey found that only over four in ten (42%) make use of these arrangements. Flexitime is the most widespread form of flexible work...
Smog is Damaging Our Cities
It is important that we have clean and energy efficient buses, trucks and delivery vans in our cities. With people being encouraged to use more public transport we need to ensure that those vehicles are also environmentally friendly. Transport accounts for 20% of...
It’s time to scrap the clock changes
I am urging people to have their say on the issue of scrapping the clock changes entirely. Irish people are being invited to take part in a public consultation on the issue which will run until 30th November. This is an issue that affects everybody. I have been...
Concerns about a Third Terminal at Dublin Airport
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune is questioning the details announced today by Transport Minister, Shane Ross in relation to the possibility of Dublin Airport getting a third terminal. Ms Clune questions will this come at the expense of Cork and Shannon Airports....
Additional Free Inter-Rail Tickets for Irish Students
The European Commission has made 12,000 additional free tickets available for 18-year-olds to discover Europe. Following the success of the first round of DiscoverEU, the European Commission will launch a second competition for free tickets on 29th November 2018....
Wet Wipes Are Contaminating the Coastline
I urge people to stop flushing wet wipes into toilets as they are causing catastrophic damage to Ireland’s coastline. MEP Clune said there are many beautiful beaches in Waterford that must be protected and people must be aware of the dangers of wet wipes to the...
Proposals to strengthen rail passenger rights approved at the EU Parliament
MEPs today voted to improve the rights of rail passengers across the EU. Irish rail users could now be entitled to better compensation in cases of delays, more information and better assistance for disabled passengers. Across the EU when a passengers’ train is more...
Manifesto to Improve Women’s Health Launch
Today I launched the a Manifesto for Women’s Health at the European Parliament. The Manifesto was created by the European Institute of Women’s Health (EIWH). The event marked the beginning of the EIWH’s campaign Healthy Women—Healthy Europe, which will profile what...
Boost for Business and Tourism in Munster as Aer Lingus Reinstates Vital Route
Businesses in Munster and especially, Cork got a big boost recently after Aer Lingus reinstated links to top international hub, Amsterdam. Tourism in Cork will also be boosted as Amsterdam provides a vital link to transatlantic routes for Cork travellers. I...
Ambitious Targets in Place to Cut Car Emissions
CO2 emissions from new cars should be cut by 40% by 2030 as MEPs voted on proposals. In addition market uptake of electric and low-emission cars should accelerate as a result of these votes. This is good news for Ireland. In the draft law voted on yesterday, MEPs...
Plans Must be Put In Place at Wexford Tyre Points
A farm tyre bring-centre has been set up for Wexford, New Ross Mart on October 9th. However there were reported tailbacks of over 2km last weekend when the first one opened in Cavan. Farmers faced significant delays in bringing old tyres to the recycle point in...
Late Payments Crippling Many Businesses
MEPs will gather in Brussels this week to discuss ways of improving the issue of late payments for firms. Managing late payments is a huge issue for many firms and many go out of businesses because of cash flow problems. It is crippling many businesses. Late...
Laois and Offaly to Join Ireland South
I am delighted to welcome the counties of Laois and Offaly to the new five seat Ireland South Constituency. I look forward to visiting Laois and Offaly over the coming months to meet the communities there and hear how we can work together. I know Mairead McGuinness...
Big Push to Maintain and Increase CAP
It is vital to retain the CAP Budget and increase it. We see the value of it. Every penny a farmer gets is spent in their local community and we recognise that agriculture is so important and we need to support it. There is a really strong push to have the CAP...
Young people can apply for European Union €370 million initiative to volunteer or work in projects
The European Solidarity Corps is the new European Union initiative which creates opportunities for young people to volunteer or work in projects in their own country or abroad that benefit communities and people around Europe. It was adopted this week by the...
European Funding for ‘World Class’ Castletownbere Project
A multi-million euro project to extend the quay in Castletownbere has been part funded by the European Union. Ireland South MEP, Deirdre Clune visited Castletownbere this week to discuss the project and how it will develop. The contract for the €23.5 million, 216m...
New Laws on Registering Drones
New laws which requires owners of drones in Ireland that weigh more than 250 grams to register the device will come into effect next year. Previously it was only drones over 1KG that had to be registered. For the first time ever, Europe-wide rules for the...
The EU wants 55% of all plastic to be recycled by 2030
Everyone from producers, to consumers to businesses must play their part in the fight against plastic. Aurvey from Irish Business Against Litter (Ibal) showed that less that one in ten beaches are litter-free. The survey also found that 40% of rivers, beaches and...
€1.25 billion funding available to Irish SMEs
SMEs have been encouraged to apply for millions of euro of funding from the Horizon 2020 SME fund. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) represent over 99% of businesses in the EU so it is crucial to support their growth and innovation. However, one of the most...
Ireland’s Main Airports Contribute €10.2 Billion to the Economy
Passenger numbers at Ireland’s airports have surged 45% since 2012. In Dublin passenger numbers have grown 54% to 29.4m since 2012, while in Shannon passenger number grew 24% to 1.6m. In Cork, however passenger number fell 1.4% to 2.3m since 2012. This is according...
Major Potential For Rosslare Europort to Grow and Develop
Rosslare Europort is particularly well-placed for development. It is the shortest sea route for goods and passengers to continental Europe from Ireland and it is ideally positioned to expand and grow in post-Brexit. In particular there is major potential for...
UK planes will be restricted from landing at Irish and EU airports if there is a ‘no deal’ Brexit
There are real fears that major restrictions will be imposed on aircraft coming from the UK post Brexit, if no deal is reached. MEP Clune said that aviation is not covered under world trade meaning planes from the UK would not be licenced to fly in EU airspace. MEP...
33,416 Munster Farmers to Get Basic Payment Refund of Almost €5million
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed TD announced that the payment of over €13.2 million to approximately 97,000 farmers has commenced. This money was deducted from their 2016 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) payments under the Financial...
Holidaymakers are being overcharged by unofficial websites
Many Irish holidaymakers travelling to America must register for an Esta (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) form before they embark on their trip. However despite the Esta costing $14 on the official Esta website, a flurry of other websites have been...
Request to Allow Flights Fly from Ireland During a French Air Traffic Strike
Flight delays are set to increase by 53% this year when compared to 2017, mainly as a result of strikes and capacity shortages I have asked the European Commission to develop an overflight system that would allow flights cross territorial air space, at an increased...
2,524 Irish people applied for 140 free Inter Rail tickets
Extra tickets expected to be released for Irish people in the Autumn A scheme which was launched earlier this month offering 140 free Inter Rail tickets to 18 years olds in Ireland saw 2,524 people from Ireland apply for the tickets . The aim of scheme is to get...
Ireland is at risk of becoming a one airport nation.
Cork and Shannon Airports cannot be forgotten about while Dublin airport thrives. I am questioning the details announced yesterday by Transport Minister, Shane Ross in relation to the possibility of Dublin Airport getting a third terminal. Mr Ross said a future...
Irish Businesses Should Adopt UK Model of Flexible Work
This week I joined Employmum and DePuy Synthes to launch a campaign encouraging companies to ‘think flexibility’ when it comes to retaining key staff. We are calling on Irish businesses to adopt a model which is in place in the UK which allows employees...
Holidaymakers are being overcharged by unofficial websites
Many Irish holidaymakers travelling to America must register for an Esta (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) form before they embark on their trip. However despite the Esta costing $14 on the official Esta website, a flurry of other websites have been...
Moves to improve working conditions for transport workers
I have welcomed a comprehensive reform package for transport workers which has been approved by the European Parliament. They include better working conditions for drivers, including clarifications on minimum wage and rest. The amendments approved by the Transport...
Free Inter-Rail Tickets for Irish People
A scheme has been announced this morning which will offer 140 free Inter Rail tickets to 18 years olds across Ireland. The aim of scheme is to get young people interested in Europe and help young Irish people learn about and see other EU countries. This is a...
Take care of Irish Oceans this Summer
As more people head to the beach this summer it is important that you take care of the oceans and make sure they stay clean. Ireland led the way with the plastic bag tax and now we can do more with deposit on return schemes for plastic bottles, banning once off...
Business and Tourism in Munster is Suffering
Businesses in Munster and especially, Cork are suffering as vital links to top international hub, Amsterdam remain cut. Inward tourism in Cork and Munster will also suffer as Amsterdam provides a vital link to transatlantic routes for Cork travellers. Aer Lingus...
Welcome News on Road Safety Measures
The European Commission today announced a major package of road safety measures, which include new targets to reduce by half the number of road deaths and serious injuries by 2030. The EU safety measures will make life-saving technologies such as Automated...
Car Clocking Legislation Across EU
Last week the European Parliament approved recommendations for tackling odometer fraud almost unanimously, and urged the European Commission to act resolutely against mileage fraud across the EU. I have been heavily involved in the move to stop ‘car...
Appeals to Norwegian Air on Cork-Providence Route
As a member of the European Transport and Tourism Committee, I was actively involved in the political will and commitment to the transatlantic Norwegian Air flights from Cork. I advocated at European level for the licence to be granted to Norwegian Air on...
Ireland South MEP Calls for Reinstatement of Full Schedule for Cork – Amsterdam Flight
In recent weeks Aer Lingus has reduced the number of flights operating on the Cork-Amsterdam route, removing a critical Thursday evening flight from the schedule. The Cork-Schiphol flight is a vital route for the Munster region, providing connectivity and access...
You’ll never miss Irish TV again when you travel in the EU
From Easter Sunday (1 April), Irish people will be able to access their online subscriptions such as Netflix, Spotify and Sky Sports wherever they are in the EU. Previously online subscriptions were not widely available in different countries due to varying...
Terminally ill workers need protected status under EU law
Last week in Brussels, I officially launched the European Dying to Work Campaign at the European Parliament, Brussels. Terminally ill workers should be granted a protected employment status under EU law, similar to pregnant workers, in order to prevent...
EU Parliament puts stop to Geo-Blocking Online Shoppers
Geo-blocking is the practice whereby consumers are blocked from accessing and buying a product or service from a website based in another EU member state. The Commission estimates that almost 65% of websites in the EU engage in this discriminatory practice....
Statement on the 8th Amendment
Recently, the Oireachtas committee on the Eighth Amendment recommended that this amendment should be repealed and amongst other recommendations that termination of a pregnancy should be available without restriction up to 12 weeks. The Oireachtas is currently...
Battle to beat plastic waste and clean our waters initiated by the EU
The battle to protect our blue planet received a boost yesterday, as the European Commission launched the European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy. Plastic production is 20 times higher now than in the 1960s and is set to quadruple again by 2050. We...
EU Programme to provide food to the most deprived.
EU-Funded FEAD programme channels non-perishable food through FoodCloud Hubs to those most in need. Under an European Programme, social enterprise FoodCloud Hubs and the Department of Employment Affairs & Social Protection are working together to provide food...
A Year Long Celebration of European Cultural Heritage Begins in 2018
From archaeological sites to contemporary architecture, from medieval castles to folklore traditions and arts, Europe's cultural heritage is at the very heart of the collective identity of European citizens. With more than 220,000 people in Ireland employed in the...
International Day of Persons with disabilities
Today is International Day of Persons with disabilities. Almost one in six people in the EU aged 15 and over lives with some kind of disability. As the population ages, this number is expected to rise significantly. In the European Parliament this week MEPs urged...
14% of our young people out of work is not acceptable
Irish young people are choosing academic education over vocational training and this remains a big issue for Ireland. Ireland South MEP and member of the EU Employment committee Deirdre Clune has called our youth unemployment rate of 14% unacceptable. Clune...
European Parliament vote to make driver assistance compulsory in new cars
Ireland South MEP and member of the EU Transport Committee Deirdre Clune has joined other MEPs in the European Parliament in voting to make driver assistance compulsory in new cars. During the debate and subsequent vote on road safety measures Clune expressed her...
Irish Dads are stepping up and staying home to help look after new babies
Ireland South MEP and member of the EU Employment committee Deirdre Clune has welcomed figures released to her by the Department of Social Protection which show that Paternity leave take up amongst Irish fathers is steadily increasing. The figures show that 34% of...
Clocks go back – but is it a backwards step?
I am disappointed at lack of progress on daylight saving debate as European Commissionis still investigating annual changing of the clocks. Growing chorus of MEPs argue that the bi annual changing of the clocks makes little sense for a modern EU economy! Households...
Raising awareness of 112
Raising awareness of 112 Did you know that less than half of European citizens identify 112 as the number to call in an emergency anywhere in the EU? With increasing number of Europeans travelling throughout the EU, it is especially important that EU citizens know...
New EU funding to protect public spaces against terror attacks
Irish Authorities should apply for the funding in cities like Cork, Dublin, Limerick and Galway to reduce the vulnerability of their open spaces to the kinds of terror attacks we have seen throughout Europe of late I welcom an announcement by the EU Commission of...
BLOG: New survey shows 80% of Irish see the EU as a “good thing”
The results of a opinion poll monitoring citizens attitudes to the European Union was published today. The results contain some interesting stats for Ireland and indeed for Europe as a whole. Eight out of ten Irish people believe that our country's membership of...
1 in 5 second hand cars imported from the UK are clocked
Ireland South MEP and member of the EU Transport Committee Deirdre Clune has warned those buying second hand cars from the North and the rest of the UK that up to 1 in 5 of them have had their mileage tampered with. Her warning comes on the back of figures that...
CANCELLED: Mental Health and Active Ageing seminar
A STATUS RED weather warning has been issued by Met Éireann, with storm force winds and heavy rain expected to hit the south coast of Ireland tomorrow morning. At this stage public safety is of primary concern and people need to take great care. Consequently I have...
Taoiseach’s commitment that M20 be included in 10 year capital plan
This morning the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar confirmed that the M20 motorway between Cork and Limerick is to be included in the 10 year capital plan. Speaking at a breakfast briefing in Cork, the Taoiseach clearly stated his support for the M20. Clune described...
Key vote in EU Parliament wants self-driving car technology to help curb road deaths
Fine Gael Ireland South MEP October 12 2017 Key vote in EU Parliament wants self-driving car technology to help curb road deaths New technology in cars and vehicles like automatic emergency braking systems with pedestrian and cyclist detection and lane-keeping...
I welcome Minister Donohoe’s decision not to interfere with 9% VAT rate
Deirdre Clune Fine Gael Ireland South MEP October 10th 2017 I welcome Minister Donohoe’s decision not to interfere with 9% VAT rate I wrote to the Minister last week asking him not to raise the 9% VAT rate for tourism providers following on from the Ministers...
We need to talk about mental health!
October 10th 2017 We need to talk about our mental health! Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has been recognised by Mental Health Europe for her work in the area of Mental Health within the European Parliament. News of the recognition comes as campaigners get ready...
Liam Cosgrave: A commitment to public service and unquestioned support for the institutions of the state.
Deirdre Clune Fine Gael Ireland South MEP October 5th 2017 Liam Cosgrave: A commitment to public service and unquestioned support for the institutions of the state. “Today is a sad day for all of us who knew Liam Cosgrave. Today we have an opportunity to celebrate...
Calling on the Minister not to increase the 9% VAT rate!
September 28th Calling on the Minister not to increase the 9% VAT rate! Today, I wrote to Minister Paschal Donohoe urging him not to increase the 9% VAT rate for the tourism sector. I did so following the Ministers appearance before the Oireachtas Budgetary...
Government scheme to give free classes in how to use the internet
Deirdre Clune Fine Gael Ireland South MEP September 25th Government scheme to give free classes in how to use the internet The Department of Communications have launched a new scheme which gives free digital skills training to people in rural Ireland. The...
Ryanair needs to be upfront with their passengers
I have called on Ryanair to be upfront with their passengers and communicate clearly which flights they are intending to cancel. The uncertainty over flight cancellations is having an impact on both tourism and business travellers who may have to make alternate...
Juncker’s State of the Union 2017
Below you can find the text to Jean Claude Junker's 'State of the Union' speech which he delivery in the European Parliament in Strasbourg this week. Strasbourg, 13 September 2017 Dear President Tajani, Dear Prime Minister Ratas, The past twelve months have been...
EU initiative gives free Wi-Fi to local communities
This week saw a vote in the European Parliament on proposals to provide €120 million in funding for public WIFI hotspots across our towns and villages. I am working with Irish officials to ensure that Ireland makes applications under the scheme for free wifi...
€72.8M fund for youth work placements across EU
A €72.8 million fund for voluntary posts and work placements for young people across the EU received the backing of MEPs in Brussels today, confirmed Deirdre Clune MEP, lead negotiator for the EPP Group on the EU budget in the European Parliament’s Employment...
More investment in apprenticeships as leaving cert students mull over future career plans
August 16th 2017 More investment in apprenticeships as leaving cert students mull over future career plans Today I have called for more targeted funding which focuses on the expansion of apprenticeships, the profiling of jobseekers and the...
Event: Where Lies the Future of Europe?
In conjunction with the European Parliament Offices in Ireland, I am hosting an event this Friday, June 30th, entitled "Where Lies the Future of Europe?". The event takes places in the Imperial Hotel, Cork at 5pm. I am delighted that our new Minister for Foreign...
The EU Commission must act to protect flights between Ireland and the UK
Following the UK's exit from the European Union, there may be a significant impact on flights between Ireland and the UK, as there will be no aviation agreements in place. I have called on the EU Commission to act now and start the process of allowing Britain...
Irish MEPs meet with EU Brexit Negotiator
Last week in Strasbourg, following Theresa May's speech, the Irish MEPs in Brussels met with Michel Barnier, the European Commission's chief Brexit negotiator. The meeting was hugely beneficial, in that each of us got the opportunity to voice our concerns. Monsieur...
EU court ruling saves Irish motorists from tolls increase
A ruling by the European Court of Justice this morning in favour of the Irish National Roads Authority, means that motorists using the M50, Westlink crossing and Dublin Port Tunnel will not see VAT added to the existing price of their tolls. The case was...
Hard work and innovative thinking pays off for new Irish company Pundit Arena – Clune
Hard work and innovative thinking pays off for new Irish company Pundit Arena – Clune Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has met with Pundit Arena Co-founders Ross O'Dwyer and Richard Barrett in Cork. Following the meeting, the Ireland South MEP and...
Clune says migration deal with Turkey is essential part of limiting the influx of illegal migrants to the EU
Clune says migration deal with Turkey is essential part of limiting the influx of illegal migrants to the EU Fine Gael Ireland South MEP, Deirdre Clune has welcomed the implementation of a deal on migrants between the EU and Turkey. Speaking as the first...
Clune calls for more EU funds to be invested in cycle infrastructure
Clune calls for more EU funds to be invested in cycle infrastructure Cycle ways are an affordable way to drive tourism into rural Ireland and revitalise those towns and villages that are stops along the way Ireland South MEP and member of the EU Tourism Taskforce...
Give police access to flight details now – Clune
Give police access to flight details now - Clune Clune says a terrorist tracking programme that was approved by the European Parliaments Justice and Home affairs committee in the wake of last year’s Paris attacks has still not come before the European...
Europe must now stand united against terror – Clune
Europe must now stand united against terror – Clune Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has described the terror attacks in Brussels as the desperate acts of fanatical extremist’s intent on tearing Europe apart. Speaking from the European Parliament where...
EU study shows that young drivers are increasing distracted whilst driving – and this has become a major cause of car crashes
EU study shows that young drivers are increasing distracted whilst driving – and this has become a major cause of car crashes Texting while driving makes you a staggering twenty-three times more likely to crash! Ireland South MEP and member of the EU...
Government support for community shops in rural Ireland is a good first step – Clune
Government support for community shops in rural Ireland is a good first step – Clune Clune says people shouldn’t have to drive 6 miles just to pick up bread and milk – the UK experience has shown that the community shop model works. Many shops in rural areas...
Clune says Irish people should know their employment rights
Clune says Irish people should know their employment rights Clune tells workers that they have rights in the workplace In the wake of a case of an Au Pair who was awarded 10,000 euro this week for under payment of wages, Ireland South MEP and member of the...
If we design safer cars – we can save lives
If we design safer cars - we can save lives Clune pushes for new changes in Europe that will have a knock on impact on rural road safety in Ireland Speaking after a European Parliament Road Safety hearing in Brussels, Ireland South MEP and member of...
Agreement has been reached with the Egyptian authorities to enable the importation of Irish cattle.
Clune welcomes this mornings announcement that agreement has been reached with the Egyptian authorities to enable the importation of Irish cattle. Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has praised the efforts of Minister Simon Coveney and officials from his department...
Only 29% of Irish people are aware of potentially lifesaving number – Clune
Only 29% of Irish people are aware of potentially lifesaving number – Clune As holiday bookings rise by an estimated 40% year on year, Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune cautions travelers to be prepared for emergencies when travelling in Europe. Ireland...
New Garda figures show that road safety message not sinking in! – Clune
New Garda figures show that road safety message not sinking in! - Clune As Garda figures show that over 800 people per month on average getting caught for not wearing a seatbelt, Clune backs calls by ETSC to tackle serious road injuries by adopting new EU targets....
We can fight diseases like cancer and create more jobs outside Dublin – Clune
Monday, 11th January 2016 We can fight diseases like cancer and create more jobs outside Dublin – Clune Four out of ten people will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetimes but innovations right here in Ireland are not only creating high end jobs but...
Clune calls for immediate action on clocked cars
Ireland South MEP and member of the EU Transport committee Deirdre Clune has warned those who are buying a second hand car in the month of January to be on the lookout for signs that the cars mileage has been tampered with. Speaking as we enter one of the busiest...
Bought your Christmas present online and having problems with it? – Well you have rights!
Bought your Christmas present online and having problems with it? - Well you have rights! As Irish consumers spend 6bn on online sales, Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune reminds them that there are strong EU laws in place to protect consumers who are buying online....
Clune welcomes €27.4m Payments for the Dairy and Pig Sectors
Clune welcomes €27.4m Payments for the Dairy and Pig Sectors €13.7m of EU funding for Irish Farmers Minister Coveney confirms flat rate payment for each of the 18,000 dairy farmers of €1,350 with a top up payment for younger farmers. Ireland South MEP...
Planes not taking direct routes is costing the EU €5 billion euro annually – Clune
Planes not taking direct routes is costing the EU €5 billion euro annually - Clune Clune pushes for new air traffic control management at EU level Fine Gael Ireland South MEP and Transport committee aviation spokesperson Deirdre Clune has backed calls from the EU...
Clune calls for EU wide clampdown on clocked cars
Deirdre Clune Fine Gael Ireland South MEP December 2nd Clune calls for EU wide clampdown on clocked cars Mileage fraud is undermining confidence in our second hand car market and consumers need more protection from cars that have been tampered with Speaking...
Clune says it is vital we have Irish producers represented on EU trade delegations to Mexico and Columbia
Fine Gael Press Office Deirdre Clune MEP Ireland South Monday, 30th November 2015 Clune says it is vital we have Irish producers represented on EU trade delegations to Mexico and Columbia Deadline for applying to go on the EU trade delegation is December 4th Fine...
As European Parliament prepares to debate violence against women Clune calls for increased training for judges and Gardaí
Fine Gael Press Office Deirdre Clune MEP Ireland South Tuesday, 24th November 2015 As European Parliament prepares to debate violence against women Clune calls for increased training for judges and Gardaí European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights survey...
Give police access to our flight, train and ferry details now – Clune
Fine Gael Press Office Deirdre Clune MEP Ireland South Thursday, 19th November 2015 Give police access to our flight, train and ferry details now – Clune Clune supports French calls on the European Parliament to introduce new laws which allow authorities...
Irish SMEs need to plan for Brexit
Irish SMEs need to plan for Brexit The UK is our largest export market, with goods and services exports totaling €30bn in 2014 – 17% of total Irish exports Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has said we need to plan for a possible Brexit and the negative impact this...
We need urgent action in Ireland to tackle speeding, in particular on our rural roads.
Clune calls for the introduction of new speed technology to be used in our cars Clune says our rural roads are not designed for excessive speeds as an Irish Road Safety Authority report reveals that one in five Irish drivers see breaking 100km/h limit as acceptable...
Clune calls time on Irish banks overuse of personal guarantees
Clune calls time on Irish banks overuse of personal guarantees 1/ 3 of Irish SME loans have a personal Guarantee attached Clune says the Irish banks insistence on personal guarantees when lending to SMEs is detrimental to plans to encourage new start-ups and...
Getting our young people back to work is the key to reviving rural Ireland – Clune
Getting our young people back to work is the key to reviving rural Ireland - Clune Youth Unemployment falls to 19.7% today, November 3rd, but youth unemployment remains one of the EUs biggest failings according to Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune "Last week in the...
250,000 children go missing every year in the EU – that’s one every 2 minutes
Clune votes to increase funding for missing children hotlines 250,000 children go missing every year in the EU - that's one every 2 minutes Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has supported a budget amendment in the European Parliament that increases...
EU Funds of €237 million are mobilised to support 20,000 European SMEs
EU Funds of €237 million are mobilised to support 20,000 European SMEs Clune calls for a great emphasis on entrepreneurship as research shows that only 37% of Europeans would like to be self-employed and women make up only 1/3 of all EU entrepreneurs. ...
Clune calls for a new and improved EU Blue Card system of migration for the EU
Monday, 19th October 2014 Clune calls for a new and improved EU Blue Card system of migration for the EU Fine Gael Ireland South MEP, Deirdre Clune, has called for a new and improved legal system of migration for the EU where migrants can apply, in their own...
Clune supports EU moves calling for an end to the death penalty
Clune supports EU moves calling for an end to the death penalty Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has said that 2,466 people in 55 countries are now known to have been sentenced to death in 2014. Clune, who is a member of the EU Employment and Social Affairs...
Irish products could be in line for special EU Protection after EU parliament passes important resolution
Welcoming the initiative, MEP Clune described it as a boost for rural Ireland "A geographical indication on a product, such as Parma Ham and Champagne, can give a product an air of exclusivity making the brand more unique, high end and original. It also...
Mind the Gap – Clune says the gender pay gap is about more than money
Mind the Gap - Clune says the gender pay gap is about more than money Fine Gael Ireland South MEP, Deirdre Clune, is this week taking part in a European Parliament debate on the pay gap between men and women, which now stands at over 15% across Europe and almost...
Clune supports a motion to increase emergency aid to Irish farmers
Clune supports a motion to increase emergency aid to Irish farmers Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune is supporting a proposal of the EPP group in the European Parliament to add €500 million to the emergency support package to help dairy farmers suffering from...
Clune calls on the HSE to fully implement the Cross Border Healthcare Directive
Clune calls on the HSE to fully implement the Cross Border Healthcare Directive Denmark has 30,000 cases, Ireland just 62! Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has said that Irish patients and doctors do not seem to be aware of the EU Cross Border Healthcare...
Clune fights to include small and regional airports in EU document
Clune fights to include small and regional airports in EU document on the future of aviation Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has successfully fought to include small and regional airports in an important EU report on the future of aviation and has called for a...
Clune to host important Tourism Seminar in Cork
Clune to host important Tourism Seminar in Cork Clune calls on tourism business to get online Ireland South MEP, and member of the EU Tourism Taskforce, Deirdre Clune is hosting an important tourism seminar in Cork this coming Thursday, September...
Clune slams Sinn Fein for backtracking on water charges
Deirdre Clune Fine Gael Ireland South MEP September 14th 2015 Clune slams Sinn Fein for backtracking on water charges Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has slammed Sinn Fein for a major U-turn on its opposition to water charges this week as a European...
Any Syrian refugees we take in should be granted immediate work visas – Clune
Any Syrian refugees we take in should be granted immediate work visas - Clune Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has said that Ireland should grant immediate work visas to those refugees to whom we grant asylum to in the coming weeks and months "If we are serious...
As our society gets older, we need to invest in dementia – Clune
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has called on the European Commission to lead the charge against dementia. "There are an estimated 47 million people living with dementia worldwide, with those numbers expected to double every 20 years according to the World Health...
Clune pushes EU to increase youth unemployment budget by a half billion euro
Clune pushes EU to increase youth unemployment budget by a half billion euro Fine Gael Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune, a negotiator on the EU employment budget team, is pushing for a half a billion euro increase in the EU budgets to tackle youth unemployment...
Clune expresses support for dairy farmers as we face difficult market
Clune expresses support for dairy farmers as we face difficult market Clune meets with Dairygold CEO Jim Wolfe as the price of milk is expected to drop further Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has raised further concerns over Milk Prices with Agriculture...
Travelling this summer? You have rights!
More information on passenger rights here.... http://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/passenger-rights/index_en.htm Fewer than 5% of people are claiming their entitlements - Clune Millions of Euro is going unclaimed every year! As the holiday...
A woman’s place is in… the laboratory
A woman's place is in... the laboratory - Clune New report shows that sexism is alive and well in the workplace Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has said that women make great nurses and teachers but they also make great plumbers, stonemasons, scientists and...
Policing farmers costs the EU about 4 billion a year! – Clune
Policing farmers costs the EU about 4 billion a year! - Clune Simpler rules for CAP will save money Four billion Euros of EU money is spent every year policing farmers to ensure they obey a litany of complex EU rules. Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has...
FG MEPs welcome positive vote on EU-US trade talks (TTIP)
FG MEPs welcome positive vote on EU-US trade talks (TTIP) - European Parliament backs TTIP with plenary vote July 8th, 2015 The four Fine Gael MEPs have welcomed today's vote by the European Parliament in favour of the ongoing EU-US trade talks as an...
What’s happening in Calais is a tragedy in the making – Clune
Fine Gael Press Office Deirdre Clune MEP Ireland South What's happening in Calais is a tragedy in the making - Clune "Only a matter of time before someone is killed" Fine Gael Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune, the only Irish member on the EU Transport committee, has...
New EU funding for Foynes and Cork port
The Ports of Cork and Foynes have been successful in their application for EU funding under the Connecting Europe Facility. The Pork of Cork has been successful in their application for almost 13 million euro in funding for works at the Port. News of the funding...
The tide is turning at Cork Airport – Clune
The tide is turning at Cork Airport - Clune Cork Airport was last night highly commended at an awards ceremony in Prague hosted by the ACI, the Worldwide Professional Association of airport operators. The 11th Annual ACI Europe Best Airport Awards was attended by...
The future is electric
Electric cars can help us to meet ambitious EU emissions targets - Clune The future is electric as 2.1m from Europe is spent upgrading infrastructure for electric cars 100% increase in the sale of electric cars in Ireland so far in 2015 Ireland...
71 people are killed every day on our roads – Clune
71 Europeans are killed every day on our roads - Clune We are losing the battle against road deaths in Europe! France, Ireland, Germany and the UK were among the 12 EU member states that saw an increase in the number of road deaths last year Ireland...
Clune calls for a regional air connectivity fund to support new routes into our secondary airports
Clune calls for a regional air connectivity fund to support new routes into our secondary airports Every 10,000 new passengers we bring through the airport creates 12 new direct jobs Ireland South MEP and member of the EU Transport committee Deirdre...
Clune welcomes courthouse funding
Welcome investments in Ireland South announced today by Minister Frances Fitzgerald... Limerick City: A new criminal courthouse to be built on a site adjacent to Limerick Prison, to include six courtrooms, custody facilities, court offices and associated...
Clune slams the European Commission for dropping commitment to reduce serious road injuries
Clune slams the European Commission for dropping commitment to reduce serious road injuries We need immediate action on rising serious road injuries Reducing serious road injuries requires a different strategy than road deaths Ireland South MEP...
Clune welcomes new funding for our fire fighters
Deirdre Clune has welcomed today's announcement of €8 million in funding for the upgrade of fire stations across the country. This includes 16 new fire engines, three new fire stations in Templemore, Co. Tipperary; Ferbane, Co. Offaly and Graiguenamanagh, Co....
Clune calls for clampdown on repeat drunk drivers
Clune calls for clampdown on repeat drunk drivers 6,500 lives could be saved across Europe every year Alcohol interlocks are an effective way to stop drunk drivers Ireland South MEP and member of the European Transport committee Deirdre Clune has called for the...
Tourism on the rise but Clune has a stark warning for the industry
Ireland South MEP and member of the European Parliaments Tourism Taskforce Deirdre Clune has said that our tourism industry is about to go through the same changes that our music industry went through 10 years ago and that we must be ready for change. Speaking at a...
The Mediterranean will become Europe’s graveyard, if we don’t act!
As Ireland enjoyed the June bank holiday weekend, 5,000 desperate migrants from Libya were rescued as they attempted to cross the Mediterranean to Europe. 17 of them never made it and their bodies were recovered by rescue divers yesterday. Ireland South MEP and...
Clune says decision on Port of Cork clears the way for EU funding
An Bord Pleanala decision is a boost for Cork Clune says decision on Port of Cork clears the way for EU funding Ireland South MEP and member of the EU Transport Committee Deirdre Clune has welcomed the decision of An Bord Pleanala to grant planning permission for a...
Ban Ki Moon puts Tipperary on the global stage – Clune
Ban Ki Moon puts Tipperary on the global stage – Clune Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has praised organisers of the Tipperary International Peace Convention for bringing the current Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki Moon to Tipperary. He was...
Dads have got to step up and stay home – and Governments must help them
Dads have got to step up and stay home – and Governments must help them Shared responsibility for new- born babies is the key to equality in the labour market – but the burden will always fall on women unless government introduces better paternity leave...
Win a trip for 2 to Brussels
"This is a competition designed to get young Irish people thinking about tourism, online tourism and how we can sell our country abroad. I will bring two people to Brussels for two nights to visit the European Parliament, experience the culture of the Brussels...
European Parliament to tackle dirty cash
The European Parliament will this week vote on a new Directive designed to combat money-laundering and tax evasion. The Directive would also establish a blacklist of third countries which fail to cooperate with EU authorities. Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has...
No room at the Inn? Try Airbnb
No room at the Inn? Try Airbnb Airbnb can complement the hospitality sector Clune says we need to adapt to the realities of the sharing economy Ireland South MEP and member of the European Parliaments Tourism Taskforce Deirdre Clune has rejected calls to regulate...
Clune visits the Kerry Technology to talk jobs
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune to visit the Kerry Technology Park and meet with children from Spa national school Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune will be visiting the Kerry Technology Park this coming Monday, 11th May, 2015 to discuss the EU Horizon 20/20 funding...
Drone technology will revolutionise rural Ireland
Fine Gael Ireland South MEP and member of the EU Transport Committee, Deirdre Clune, has said that we should harness the potential of drones, but look to regulate some of their negative uses. Speaking in advance of a debate in the European Parliament on drone...
Ever thought of living and working in Brussels?
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has encouraged young Irish people to take full advantage of the fact that we are proficient English speakers by applying for an internship in the European Institutions, "My understanding is that they are short of English speakers at...
Wasteful product packaging is costing us money
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has called for immediate action to reduce packaging on the products we are buying every day. Speaking as the European Parliament voted on a Directive on packaging and packaging waste today in Strasbourg, MEP Clune said we need more...
Clune calls on bus unions to call off planned strike
Ireland South MEP and member of the European Parliaments Tourism Taskforce Deirdre Clune has appealed to bus unions to call off their planned strike action beginning on the May Bank holiday weekend. MEP Clune has said the planned strike will hurt our fragile...
Clune calls for EU action on illegal organ trafficking
A workshop in the European Parliament this week organised for the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food safety has heard that up to one in ten transplanted kidneys has been illegally sourced and that harvested kidneys are fetching up to 150,000 euro....
Clune welcomes valuable marine research funding for Ireland South
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has welcomed marine research funding under the Horizon 20/20 programme. MEP Clune described the funding as a vote of confidence in Irelands marine research industry, "The funding awards include University College Cork who are in for...
Over 300 airlines banned from European airspace – Clune
Ireland South MEP and member of the EU Transport committee Deirdre Clune has called on the European Commission to organise an International Aviation safety conference to discuss the fact that over 300 airlines are not deemed fit to fly in European airspace, The EU...
Clune pleads with tourism providers not to increase prices ahead of the season
Ireland South MEP and member of the EU Tourism Taskforce Deirdre Clune has pleaded with tourism providers not to increase prices ahead of this year's tourism season. "Government plans to create 40,000 new jobs using tourism throughout our economy this year. This...
Fine Gael MEPs support Yes vote in Marriage Referendum
Fine Gael MEPs are calling for a Yes vote in the upcoming Marriage Referendum on May 22nd. Speaking from the European Parliament, the four MEPs encouraged voters to stand with the ten other EU countries that have extended equal rights to same-sex couples to marry....
Clune calls for stronger clampdown on online child sexual abuse
Yesterday the European Parliament approved a resolution to fight online sexual abuse of children. Speaking after the vote Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune said we must find ways to hunt down criminals who prey on, rape and kill thousands of children around the world...
Clune welcomes new routes for Cork airport
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has welcomed two new routes for Cork airport, but says we have a mountain to climb, "The new routes are welcome and are evidence of the hard work that management are putting into developing routes into and out of Cork. I have...
Coláiste Íde puts some tough questions to MEP Deirdre Clune in the European Parliament
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has welcomed the students of Coláiste Íde in Dingle to the European Parliament. Speaking to the Coláiste Íde students in the Parliament, Deputy Clune emphasised how important it is that young people get engaged with the political...
Creating real jobs in Rural Ireland and lowering electricity bills – Clune
Investment in increased energy retrofitting of both domestic and public buildings will create jobs in rural Ireland and reduce our electricity bills. That is according to Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune who is Chief Negotiator for the European Peoples Party on a...
Proposed EU measure on food labelling is Rep Tape dressed up as consumer protection – Clune
The European Parliament today voted on a resolution to call on the EU Commission to introduce legislation to make country of origin labelling compulsory for all meat product used in processed food. Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has slammed the measure as Red Tape...
Tourism is changing – Clune warns small tourism providers to get online
Following her first meeting as a full member of the European Parliaments Tourism Taskforce, Fine Gael MEP for Ireland South, Deirdre Clune has cautioned those in the tourist trade not to ignore the fact that the tourism market has gone digital. "Fáilte Ireland...
Sale of Aer Lingus should only be considered if Heathrow slots are protected – Clune
Fine Gael MEP for Ireland South and Member of the European Parliament’s Transport Committee, Deirdre Clune, has said that the sale of Aer Lingus should only be considered if the Heathrow slots to Cork, Dublin and Shannon are protected. MEP Clune was responding to...
European Directive has the potential to hurt small scale tourism in Ireland – Clune
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has vowed to fight to change the Package Travel Directive that is due to come back before the European Parliament shortly. MEP Clune feels that the directive will add a layer of red tape and cost to small tourism providers in Ireland...
Poor road maintenance is costing lives and hindering business – Clune
A new EU report* on road surfaces shows that Ireland drastically reduced our road maintenance budget between 2008 and 2011 due to the economic crisis. The report singles out Italy, Ireland, Slovenia and Spain as having serious reductions in the amount of investment...
Climate change is as much an opportunity as it is a challenge
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has been appointed by the European Peoples Party to negotiate on the Commissions new employment initiative that aims to create jobs from the Green economy in Europe. Speaking after the appointment, Deirdre Clune emphasised...
10 Infographics that explain the EU Parliament…. we hope
Infographs and GIFs seem to be good at getting the point across. We have put them to the test by using them to try to explain the most confusing thing of all, the European Parliament. Right, in order to do this properly, we need to start at the...
Emergency service response time would be cut by 50% in rural areas – Clune
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune, a member of the European Transport committee, has welcomed a political agreement between the European Parliament and EU member states on mandatory installation of ‘eCall’ in European cars, a system for sending automated emergency...
Fewer than 5% of people are claiming their entitlements – Clune
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune, a member of the Transport Committee of the European Parliament has called on European Airlines to pay up when it comes to passengers who are delayed, overbooked or had their flights cancelled. Speaking in the run up to the busy...
Car clocking is endangering lives on our roads – Clune
Ireland South MEP and member of the Transport committee, Deirdre Clune has met with several motoring organisations across Europe who have grave concerns about the increasing impact of Car Clocking on road safety, "I have today, submitted a Parliamentary...
Clune welcomes Central Bank U-Turn and calls for Stress Tests, not deposits
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has welcomed comments by the Governor of the Central Bank, Patrick Honohan, that he may consider a relaxation of the imposition of a 20% deposit rule on new mortgage applicants, "I think the focus should always have been on proper...
Creating well educated graduates with proper problem solving capabilities – Clune
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has called for immediate action on the skills shortage that is leading to a scenario where up to 4,500 jobs remain vacant in ICT related companies, "Moves are afoot in the UK to teach children as young as 5 to code and...
Deirdre Clune writes exclusively for the Evening Echo
Deirdre Clune, Cork airport opinion piece 14-10-14 At the launch of their summer schedule Ryanair recently criticised Cork airport for excessive landing charges which they say, are the same as Dublin Airport. Well, the claim, by Kenny Jacobs of Ryanair that charges...
SIPTUs position is irresponsible and will cost us jobs in the tourist sector – Clune
"SIPTU are arguing today that the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, should withdraw the reduced 9% VAT rate for the hospitality sector, as the benefits have not been passed on to customers, employees or the exchequer. "The 9% tourism VAT rate is one of...
Cork is fast becoming a hub for dynamic and cutting edge technology – Clune
Deirdre Clune, MEP for Ireland South, has welcomed the news that 100 new IT jobs are on the way for Cork, Richard Bruton will visit Cork today, Monday October 6th, for the announcement of 100 IT jobsas SolarWinds expands its European operations in the city....
Clune calls on the new commissioner to relax state aid rules for regional airports
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has called on the new European Transport Commissioner to relax state aid rules for Irish and European airports. Deirdre Clune will press the commissioner designate Maros Sefcovic at his hearing this evening, "We should be helping...
Making Ireland a hub for adventure tourism – Clune
Speaking ahead of the Adventure Travel World Summit which takes place in Killarney from October 6 -9th, Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune, a member of the European Parliament Intergroup on Tourism, has called for greater co-ordination of the adventure tourism...
Clune vows to fight red tape for SMEs at European level
Clune vows to fight red tape for SMEs at European level Deirdre Clune MEP, a member of the European Parliament Intergroup on Small and Medium Enterprises, has called on the European Commission to honour its promise to be "big on the big things but little on the...
Deirdre Clune writes exclusively for the Evening Echo
´Cork Airport can act as an engine for growth´ Having an airport minutes from the city centre is a resource that many European cities would be envious of. In Cork airport, we have an enormous resource that, if maximised, can be used to drive investment, growth and...
We need a new focus on Cork airport – Clune
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has called for a renewed focus on Cork airport, "An expanding airport in Cork with links to important cities such as Brussels is critical for the future. Servicing holiday destinations is all well and good but we need to grow...
Getting our young people back to work has to be our priority – Clune
Deirdre Clune MEP has called on the European Commission to prioritise the issue of Youth Unemployment which stands at 22.5% on average across Europe and up to 50% in some EU countries, "Ireland is not alone in Europe in experiencing the problem of Youth...
60,000 jobs can be created by 2020 by developing tourism – Clune
The tourism sector has the potential to create 60,000 jobs by 2020 if we continue to invest and focus on what Ireland has to offer. That is according to Ireland South Candidate Deirdre Clune who has been on the road meeting with B & B owners, hoteliers,...
Clune calls on Gardaí to implement comprehensive domestic abuse policy
Fine Gael Ireland South European Candidate, Deirdre Clune, has said that it should be a priority of the new Garda Commissioner, when appointed, to tackle domestic violence in Ireland. “I welcome the announcement by Minister for Justice, Frances Fitzgerald, that...
Clune to push for standard regulation for insurers across the EU after Setanta debacle
Fine Gael Ireland South European Candidate, Deirdre Clune, has said she will raise the issue of the regulatory environment for the insurance industry with the European Commission if elected as MEP. Deirdre Clune was speaking in relation to the collapse of Setanta...
Women occupy key positions in justice area following appointment of Frances Fitzgerald – Clune
Fine Gael Ireland South European Candidate, Deirdre Clune, has welcomed the appointment of Minister Frances Fitzgerald as Minister for Justice and highlighted that with her appointment, women occupy the key posts in the areas of justice and law and order. Deirdre,...
Cork must get its fair share of economic recovery! – Clune
PhoneWatch, the market leader in monitored home security solutions in the Republic of Ireland has announced it is to create 230 new jobs as it expands operations in Ireland. The new roles are in engineering, sales and operational areas of the business. Recruitment...
A strong independent Shannon airport is good for Clare – Clune
The Government has this week signed off on a Bill to set up the new Shannon Group commercial State PLC company on a statutory basis. Ireland South European Candidate Deirdre Clune welcomed Government approval to publish the Bill and said it’s an important...
Cork firm estimates that 250 million stolen identities and credit cards for sale online – Clune
Cork company, Trustev leading the fight against online credit card fraud Fine Gael Ireland South European Candidate, Deirdre Clune, has praised Cork technology company Trustev for their role in defeating ecommerce fraud. There are over 250 million compromised...
Important Conference today in France for Cork Airport – Clune
“Management at Cork Airport are today, Monday April 7th, in the process of aggressively marketing the airport to 16 different airlines at the Routes Europe 2014 conference in France. I spoke to Kevin Cullinane, head of communications with Cork Airport, this...
Stena line drops their Irish suppliers in an underhanded manner! – Clune
Ireland South European Candidate Deirdre Clune has criticised Stena Line Ferries for dropping Irish suppliers following their takeover of Irish Ferry company Celtic Link Ferries. “I am deeply disappointed that Stena Line has chosen to drop Irish suppliers in favour...
Cork must act as a strong counter balance to a booming Dublin! – Clune
Ireland South European Parliamentary Candidate Deirdre Clune has called on the Taoiseach to ensure we have a proper strategy going forward to develop Cork as a second economic powerhouse. “In 15 years’ time projected population rates in Ireland will hit 5 million...
Clune urges those in mortgage arrears negotiations to request bank’s file on them
Access to file can give customers leverage in mortgage negotiations Fine Gael Ireland South European Parliament Candidate, Deirdre Clune, has urged people who are dealing with their bank regarding mortgage arrears to request a copy of all information the bank holds...
Trustev showcase the potential for Irish tech companies on world stage – Clune
Trustev, a Cork tech company that specialises in fraud prevention, has won the Enterprise and Big Data category in the South by Southwest (SXSW) accelerator competition in Austin, Texas. The competition is one of the biggest tech startup events in the world. “The...
Clune welcomes creation of 150 new high quality jobs in Cork
Fine Gael Cork Senator and candidate for Ireland South, Deirdre Clune, has today (Wednesday) welcomed the creation of 150 new jobs in Cork by the tech company, VCE. The Research and Development (R&D) positions are being created at the firm’s international...
€75 million fund shows shows Govt commitment to small and medium sized Irish business – Clune
Fine Gael candidate for Ireland South, Deirdre Clune, has welcomed the announcement by Minister for Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD, that he will launch a €75 million fund to support established Irish companies to develop their export markets....
I welcome plan to make Post Office network the front office of Government !
I welcome the Government’s plan to secure the future of our post offices, by making the An Post network the front office of Government. Last night in the Seanad I raised the matter of our post office network with Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural...
MEP Clune: ‘Preparing for AI in the workplace must start in the classroom’
MEP Clune, who is a lead legislator on the AI Regulation in the European Parliament, has emphasised the importance of providing equal access to technological education for young people and employees.
‘The single biggest overhaul of EU water policy in 30 years’ – MEP Clune finalises negotiations on improving water quality standards
This week (April 11th), MEPs will endorse the agreement between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on the revision of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive. The legislation, which is a key initiative under the EU zero pollution plan for air, water and soil, now provides for a steady expansion of urban wastewater collection systems, connecting many more households, while pursuing stricter and more ambitious clean water targets by eliminating the broadest spectrum of pollutants and nutrients.
MEP Clune – ‘Europe’s New Customs Rules will save €2 billion a year’
The European Parliament voted last week on a major overhaul of the EU’s Customs Union, including the creation of a single EU Customs Authority. The lead lawmaker working on the legislation, Irish MEP Deirdre Clune has said that this is the most ambitious and comprehensive reforms of the Customs Union since its establishment in 1968.
Europe votes on Artificial Intelligence: Clune welcomes first ever rules governing AI
Following almost two years of negotiation, the European Parliament has overwhelmingly voted in favour of the world’s first ever proposal on harmonised rules on artificial intelligence (AI). Lead lawmaker for the drafting of the EU’s AI Act, Irish MEP Deirdre Clune has welcomed the political agreement.
Fine Gael MEPs to support Nature Restoration Law
The five Fine Gael MEPs have confirmed that they will vote in favour of the EU’s proposed Nature Restoration Law during plenary votes at the European Parliament, Strasbourg today (Tuesday). The new law sets EU plans to restore at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030 and all ecosystems by 2050.
EU lawmakers vote to ban ‘greenwashing’ and penalise companies who make fake claims
The European Parliament’s Internal Market and Environment committees adopted their position on the EU Green Claims Directive, which seeks to put an end to greenwashing by requiring companies to make sure environmental claims are verified and backed by scientific evidence.
Addressing Ireland’s Medicine Shortages: The EU’s List of Critical Medicines – Deirdre Clune MEP
In response to the worsening medicine shortages in Ireland, Deirdre Clune, MEP for Ireland South, has welcomed the recently published list of critical medicines by the European Medicines Agency.
Deal Done on Europe’s AI Act- Landmark Regulation for Artificial Intelligence
Lead lawmaker for the drafting of the EU’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act, MEP Deirdre Clune has welcomed the political agreement by the European Parliament and the Council on the Artificial Intelligence Act
European Parliament adopt a Right to Repair
The European Parliament has voted to enact new rules introducing the “Right to Repair” for consumers.
MEP Clune Champions HPV Vaccination Programme in honour of Laura Brennan
Earlier this month, Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune welcomed Larry and Bernie Brennan to the European Parliament
Statement from Deirdre Clune
“Earlier this month, I informed the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, that I will not be seeking nomination from my party to contest the European elections in June 2024
CLUNE: NOW IS THE TIME TO BRING UKRAINE INTO EU FOLD
“Now is the time to start accession negotiations”,
Clune urges return of abducted children following visit to Ukraine
“It is only when you step foot inside Ukraine that you get real sense of an active war being on our doorstep”
Clune named as Lead Negotiator for European Customs Reform
“The most ambitious and comprehensive reform of the EU Customs Union since its establishment in 1968”.
EU Parliament to pass law improving water quality standards
The Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive will mandate countries to step-up efforts in removing harmful micro-pollutants
Your Carry-on Guide: European Parliament votes to tackle inconsistencies in airline hand luggage policies
“The inconsistencies in airline policies create unfairness and inconvenience for travellers, especially those with connecting flights on different carriers”
Empowering Consumers: MEP Clune backs EU Consumers Directive
The European Parliament’s recent approval of the ground-breaking Consumer Credits Directive marks a significant milestone in consumer credit protection
Clune hosts Cork youth delegation in Brussels
Clune recently welcomed a group of young leaders from her constituency to the European Parliament in Brussels as part of the EPP Group Youth Week.
EU Zero Pollution goal one step closer to reality
Member States, including Ireland will have to remove harmful micro-pollutants and monitor micro-plastics released into wastewaters
Clune’s Cancer Proposals voted in European Parliament
Amendments on the ‘Right to be Forgotten’ for cancer survivors, tabled by Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune have been included
The AI Revolution in healthcare is here
Clune has spoken of the potential for Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies to transform the healthcare landscape
New EU Rules to enhance online safety coming into force
Clune has welcomed new EU rules designed to curb potentially harmful practices carried out through online service providers and large social media platforms
No Green Deal without Restoring Nature
Fine Gael MEP Deirdre Clune has voted for a Nature Restoration Law
Clune calls for further measures to support long COVID Patients
Shedding Light on an Invisible Battle: Clune Calls for Further Measures to Support Long COVID Patients
Port of Cork key to maximising Ireland’s Offshore Wind Potential
‘The Port of Cork is key to maximising Ireland’s offshore wind energy potential.’
Clune hosts small business workshop in Cork
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune hosted a recent Fine Gael Small Business and Enterprise Council Workshop in Cork
Insurance Code for Cancer survivors a welcome start
“A welcome first step for cancer survivors”
Clune highlights EU assistance for people affected by dementia
MEP Clune, who is Vice-Chairperson of the European Alzheimer’s Alliance, says “Dementia is a health and social issue that requires a community response across Ireland and the EU.
Clune wants EU Special Envoy for Northern Ireland
MEP Deirdre Clune says an EU Special Envoy to Northern Ireland will help bridge a democratic deficit.
Clune holds talks with County Councillors in Brussels
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has been discussing the needs of local Irish communities with county and city councillors in Brussels.
Clune appointed to European Parliament Health Committee
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has been appointed to the newly established Health Sub-Committee in the European Parliament.
Clune hails ‘right to be forgotten’ commitment as great news for Cancer survivors
The ‘Right to be Forgotten’ means people don’t have to disclose previous cancer diagnoses to banks and insurance companies, provided a certain time has elapsed since the end of their treatment.
Clune welcomes new rules for European health data
The European Health Data Space (EHDS) is designed to boost the exchange of health data, strengthen people’s control of their medical records and help research and development.
Clune welcomes EU-Wide innovative Cancer imaging plan
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune is welcoming a new EU-wide innovative platform to help diagnose cancer.
Data Protection Day ideal time for password Spring clean
People across Ireland are being encouraged to mark World Data Protection Day with a Password Spring Clean.
Clune calls for Europe-Wide Solutions for Medicine Shortages
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune says an EU wide approach is needed to solve the significant medicine shortages in Ireland and across Europe.
New Committee essential to EU health ambitions
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune is calling for the establishment of a dedicated Health Committee at the European Parliament.
Safer Internet Day more important than ever in 2022
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune, says Safer Internet Day (today, February 8th) is more important than ever in 2022.
EPP AI Act Amendments
EPP AI Act Amendments
Common phone charger – A step closer
Charger clutter could soon be a thing of the past, with the news that the European Council has backed proposals for a common standard. The new law aims to ensure all smartphones, tablets and similar devices, recharged by a wired cable, use a USB Type-C port, regardless of brand and make.
Clune launches major health report
Ireland South MEP Deidre Clune has launched a major new report into Maternal Health in the European Union. The study, by the European Institute of Women’s Health, seeks to eliminate preventable deaths from complications of pregnancy and childbirth.
Data protection day ideal time for password Spring clean
People are being encouraged to mark World Data Protection Day with a Password Spring Clean. This Friday, the 28th of January will mark the 16th Data Protection Day, an event held globally to raise awareness of the right to data protection.
800 people in Ireland have secured a place on the Discover EU free travel scheme
MEP Deirdre Clune today congratulated nearly 800 people in Ireland who have secured a place on the Discover EU free travel scheme. The initiative gives young people the opportunity to travel around Europe, learn from other cultures and build new friendships.
Irish applicants win almost 800 EU youth travel passes
MEP Deirdre Clune today congratulated nearly 800 people in Ireland who have secured a place on the Discover EU free travel scheme. The initiative gives young people the opportunity to travel around Europe, learn from other cultures and build new friendships.
Young people in Ireland will be celebrated this year as part of European year of the youth
The EU has dedicated the year 2022 as the year to celebrate young people all across Europe. The pandemic has had a significant negative effect on young people and the European Year of Youth will be a chance to bring their needs to the forefront. Young people in Ireland will be invited to participate in various events as part of the celebrations.
Brexit is a ‘Game Changer’ for consumers this Black Friday
Brexit is a ‘Game Changer’ for consumers this Black Friday with shoppers urged to act with caution when buying from the UK in Black Friday sales.
Fair conditions for arts workers called for across Europe
Fair working conditions for people working in the arts sectors have been called for by the European Parliament. There is a need for a common European framework for working conditions in the cultural and creative sectors for the almost 8 million workers in the arts industry, according to MEPs.
New rules to better protect victims when motor accidents occur and insuring vehicles
The European Parliament has approved the introduction of revisions to the Motor Insurance Directive (MID). Speaking in the European Parliament, Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune welcomed the vote and declared it a “good day for consumers”.
Aviation sector must be a priority with connectivity a priority for Cork and Shannon
The aviation sector must be a priority in any post-pandemic recovery plans. This is according to Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune who highlighted the need for connectivity at our regional airports.
Free Interrail tickets made available for young Irish people to travel Europe
The European Commission today launched a new DiscoverEU competition. They will provide free travel rail passes to 60,000 Europeans aged from 18 to 20 years, thanks to the DiscoverEU initiative. Irish people can apply for a number of tickets from today.
EU – UK Parliamentary Assembly
MEPs will take part in a new EU-UK Assembly. Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has welcomed this as signs of “further cooperation between Europe and the UK in a post Brexit era”.
New road safety measures proposed on speed, technology and drink driving
Europe remains the continent with the safest roads in the world. Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune is supporting new road safety measures being considered such as a 30 km per hour speed limit and zero-tolerance for drink-driving. These measures are being proposed by MEPs in Europe and they say measures like these are the only way to reach zero deaths on EU roads by 2050.
National Development Plan
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has welcomed the National Development Plan adding that we need a good road infrastructure for all vehicles, including electric vehicles, electric goods vehicles and electric buses.
Fair conditions for arts workers called for across Europe
There is a need for a common European framework for working conditions in the cultural and creative sectors for the almost 8 million workers in the arts industry, according to MEPs. The European Parliament’s Culture and Education Committee has called for the creation of an EU-wide framework on working conditions and minimum standards for all artists in a report.
The end of charger clutter in our homes – European Proposal
European Parliament working on legislative proposal for a common charger. Reducing electronic waste and making life easier for consumers are just two of the reasons to introduce a common charger in the EU.
Better care for childhood cancer needed across the EU
“Gold September” marks Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This campaign was started by parents, patients, and survivors of childhood cancer in Europe with the purpose of raising and recognising issues related to paediatric cancer.
IRELAND SOUTH TO BENEFIT FROM FUNDING TO HELP SUPPORT REMOTE WORK
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has welcomed the investment in supporting remote working hubs across Ireland. In total €4 million has been dedicated...
EU preparing plans in case of future health crisis
Strengthen role for European Medicines Agency (EMA) welcomed - MEP Deirdre Clune The EU is planning to be better equipped to manage future health...
BUILDING MATERIALS SHORTAGE IMPACTING COMPANIES AND CONSUMERS
Shortage of building materials across Europe - action needed urgently - MEP Clune A severe shortage of materials is impacting the building...
MEP Deirdre Clune congratulates Women’s Aid on their European Citizen’s Prize win
MEP Deirdre Clune and her Fine Gael colleagues in the European Parliament have warmly congratulated Women’s Aid on winning the European Citizen’s...
CLEANER BEACHES AND SEAS IN THE FUTURE AS SINGLE USE PLASTIC ITEMS BANNED IN IRELAND
Plastic straws, cotton bud sticks and plastic cutlery banned as part of EU Directive Irish beaches and seas can expect to become cleaner as...
ZENITH ENERGY AND EI-H2 ANNOUNCE JOINT VENTURE FOR GREEN ENERGY FACILITY AT BANTRY BAY
Zenith Energy and EI-H2 have announced plans for a joint venture to develop a 3.2 gigawatt (GW) green energy facility at Bantry Bay to produce green...
IMPROVED HEALTH PROTECTION FOR EU CITIZENS WITH ENHANCED ROLE FOR ECDC
The Environment and Public Health Committee of the European Parliament has proposed to boost the mandate of the European Centre for Disease...
PLANS ANNOUNCED FOR EU CYBER EMERGENCY GROUP
The European Commission has announced plans to build a new Joint Cyber Unit to help combat the growing number of serious cyber incidents. A...
MEPs vote for new Climate Law calling on all citizens to “Play their Part” Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune – we must ‘step up’ and ensure everyone takes responsibility
All Member States, including Ireland must “step up” and work towards new climate targets set by the EU. The European Parliament has today...
European Parliament approves new procedures for vaccines against Covid-19 variants
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune said that we must ensure that we have better regulatory approval procedures in place to allow for COVID-19 vaccines...
IRISH PEOPLE ENCOURAGED TO HAVE THEIR SAY ON THE FUTURE RUNNING OF EUROPE
MEP Deirdre Clune chosen as a representative for the Conference on the Future of Europe Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune will be representing...
Disproportionate impact of Covid- 19 for people living with disability
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has highlighted the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on people living with disability, and has supported a...
Businesses must work with employees to facilitate flexible working
Support is needed now more than ever for employees looking for flexible working conditions. This is according to Deirdre Clune, Ireland South MEP...
EASA and ECDC guidelines for flying
In the coming weeks, as airlines begin to fly again, ensuring the health safety of air travellers and aviation personnel will be key to the safe...
Next Generation EU
Repair and prepare for the next generation is the message that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered this week with the...
This week in Parliament – Easing restrictions
To my constituents, I hope this update finds you well and that many of you will be happy to see Ireland proceed with Phase 1 of our plan to ease the...
Online presence more important than ever for companies
Under the Government’s National Digital Strategy, the expanded Trading Online Voucher Scheme helps small businesses with up to 10 employees to trade...
This week in Parliament – On the eve of Europe Day
Dear constituents, This week brought some relief to the measures we have been living with to tackle Covid 19. There is still a long way to go but I...
This week in Parliament – Thank you and continued work
To my constituents, I hope this message finds you all as well as can be, given the very difficult situation in which we find ourselves. It is a...
Covid-19 (coronavirus) information
Updates The Irish government has made available the latest information on the virus, including health advice, public health measures and the latest...
Holiday Makers Should Apply for their Free European Health Insurance Card
Irish people heading on holidays should ensure they apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which could save them a lot of money should...
Farmers Play a Key Role in Tackling Climate Change
Farmers play a key role in tackling climate change, protecting the environment and preserving landscapes and biodiversity. The proposed revision of...
Young People in Ireland Can Apply for Free Travel Pass to Visit Europe
DiscoverEU: 20,000 additional travel passes available for 18-year-olds to experience Europe Today, the European Commission is launching a new call...
€1.3 Billion Fund For Young People in Ireland and Europe
Young people living in Ireland can avail of funding to support their volunteer activities. This news comes as European Youth Week begins. From 29th...
Parents need to be supported in the workforce
It is in everyone’s interest that more support is given to working parents and we must give a clear message to parents that society values what they...
European Parliament Approves Rules to Introduce Safety Features for Cars and Trucks
From May 2022 for new models and from May 2024 for existing models, cars must be equipped with more life-saving technology. The new rules will...
Enhanced Support for Workers in Ireland and Those Working Abroad
The establishment of the European Labour Authority (ELA) has been approved at European level. The ELA will offer support for Irish workers either at...
New Rules Approve to Protect ‘On-Demand’ Workers
The European Parliament has approved new rules to protect workers in ‘on-demand’ jobs such as Deliveroo. The rules will set out minimum rights and...
Irish students can apply to training programme to get first-hand experience in EU journalism
Journalism students in Ireland and across the EU are invited to apply for the 2019 edition of the Youth4Regions programme. Applicants are asked to...
Ireland: the third-best performer in Europe for road safety in 2018
Ireland was the third-best performer for road safety in 2018, with 31 deaths per million inhabitants, according to figures released by the EU today....
Step Closer Towards More Leave And Flexible Working for Parents
Securing a better work-life balance for working parents has moved a step forward. MEPs voted in favour today of the agreement reached by the Council...
European funding for Erasmus Programme
Irish students can continue to avail of funding for Erasmus+ as the programme continues to grow and develop. The European Parliament has proposed to...
Over €3 million available to support healthy eating habits for Irish schoolchildren
Children all across Ireland will receive milk, fruit and vegetables under the EU's School Scheme in 2019/2020. This programme reached over 20...
Ireland Has The Potential To Become A Cyber Security Hub
Four out of five EU citizens are concerned about their online privacy and security, according to a special Eurobarometer survey. Seventy-nine...
Young Parents Need Our Support as They Return to the Workforce
Parents of young children need support from the State, society and employers. Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has welcomed the news that the...
Warning to J1 Students and Holidaymakers
With many students planning their J1 trips to America and holidaymakers travelling Stateside, MEP Deirdre Clune has warned them to be aware of fake...
Just one manager out of three in the EU is a woman – with even less in senior management positions
Ahead of International Women’s Day tomorrow a survey from Eurostat found that: Nearly 9.4 million people hold a managerial position in the European...
Scrap the Clock Changes by 2021
The European Parliament’s Transport and Tourism Committee has today said that seasonal clock changes should be abolished in 2021 and it is up to the...
DAA Report on Cork Airport Shows Growth is Set to Continue
Cork Airport plans to outperform all other airports in Ireland in 2019 as it achieves its fourth consecutive year of growth. This is according to a...
Funding Available for Short Term Twinning Projects
Towns all across Ireland should consider applying for funding for short-term Town Twinning projects. Town Twinning is hugely popular around Europe...
Uncertainty for airlines and flights in event of no-deal Brexit
The European Parliament will tomorrow discuss common rules ensuring basic air connectivity following a no-deal Brexit. They also hope to agree to...
Let’s Keep the Internet Safe for Everyone – Safer Internet Day
On Safer Internet Day the focus is on ‘Together for a better internet’ and I believe we need to make sure we are all working towards a safer online...
Agreement Reached On Work/Life Balance
The European Parliament and the Council have reached a deal on a Work/Life Balance Package. The aim of the measures is to help workers balance their...
Enhanced Supports for Workers Made Redundant in Ireland
Changes just announced to the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) will mean more supports will now be available for people who are made...
New Road and Vehicle Safety Rules Agreed – 500 deaths on European roads each week
A successful scheme which was launched in France to encourage road safety should be considered in Ireland. In France the “Ville Prudente” (Safer...
Statement: Brian Crowley MEP
Brian Crowley has made a significant contribution over the last quarter of a century to both European and national politics. I wish him well and as...
New Rules for those who Misplace Passports Arbroad
New rules adopted by the European Parliament will make it easier and safer for those who lose their passports, have them stolen or damaged when...
Free Rail Tickets for Irish 18 year olds
More than 14,500 18-year-olds have been selected from almost 80,000 applications to receive an interrail pass. Participants will be able to travel...
New Laws on Registering Drones in Ireland to Come into Effect this Year
New laws which requires owners of drones in Ireland that weigh more than 250 grams to register the device will come into effect this year....
American Style Air Space Management is Needed in Europe
We must reorganise European airspace to ensure passengers face less delays when they are travelling by air, according to Ireland South MEP Deirdre...
Christmas Toy Packaging and Selection Box Waste Should Be Recycled
Christmas can be a plastic-heavy time with toy packaging, selection boxes and Christmas crackers. I urge people to remember to recycle plastic,...
More EU Funding Being Made Available for Young People
The European Commission has published a new call for proposals under the European Solidarity Corps. More than €96 million is being made available to...
New Rules on Online Shopping Come into Force this Week
Irish people are now able to shop online without unjustified geo-blocking wherever they are in the EU. The new rules came into force on 3rd December...
Services for accessibility on the Irish Rail network do not go far enough
The additional services to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities on the Irish rail network does not match the proposals voted by at the...
European Globalisation Fund to be Enhanced
The European Parliament's Employment and Social Affairs Committee have adopted changes to the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) from 2021...
Flushable Wet Wipes Causing Sewer Blockages
A major investigation in the UK has found that wet wipes being sold as ‘flushable’ are causing extreme damage to the environment. Many of these...
Calls to Open European Airspace
More cooperation is needed between national air navigation service providers to ensure there is a reduction in flight congestions. There needs to...
Alert System in Emergency for European Citizens
A European wide alert system, called Reverse112 has been approved to be introduced in all Member States. It will now be mandatory for EU citizens...
Online Shopping Across Europe to be Made Easier From Next Month
From 3rd of December Irish people will be able to shop online without unjustified geo-blocking wherever they are in the EU. Geo-blocking is the...
Statement: Brian Hayes MEP
Brian has been a great colleague and has excelled in his time at the Department of Finance and here in Brussels as a member of the Econ committee...
Free Wifi Hotspots in parks and town centres
Funding has been secured to introduce free Wifi hotspots to public spaces in Ireland. The EU is making €120m available for local authorities over...
Irish Employees are Among The Most Satisfied in Europe with Their Work/Life Balance
Flexible work arrangements are not available for one in three Europeans, according to the latest Eurobarometer survey. The survey found that only...
Smog is Damaging Our Cities
It is important that we have clean and energy efficient buses, trucks and delivery vans in our cities. With people being encouraged to use more...
It’s time to scrap the clock changes
I am urging people to have their say on the issue of scrapping the clock changes entirely. Irish people are being invited to take part in a public...
Concerns about a Third Terminal at Dublin Airport
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune is questioning the details announced today by Transport Minister, Shane Ross in relation to the possibility of...
Additional Free Inter-Rail Tickets for Irish Students
The European Commission has made 12,000 additional free tickets available for 18-year-olds to discover Europe. Following the success of the first...
Wet Wipes Are Contaminating the Coastline
I urge people to stop flushing wet wipes into toilets as they are causing catastrophic damage to Ireland’s coastline. MEP Clune said there are many...
Proposals to strengthen rail passenger rights approved at the EU Parliament
MEPs today voted to improve the rights of rail passengers across the EU. Irish rail users could now be entitled to better compensation in cases of...
Manifesto to Improve Women’s Health Launch
Today I launched the a Manifesto for Women’s Health at the European Parliament. The Manifesto was created by the European Institute of Women’s...
Boost for Business and Tourism in Munster as Aer Lingus Reinstates Vital Route
Businesses in Munster and especially, Cork got a big boost recently after Aer Lingus reinstated links to top international hub, Amsterdam. Tourism...
Ambitious Targets in Place to Cut Car Emissions
CO2 emissions from new cars should be cut by 40% by 2030 as MEPs voted on proposals. In addition market uptake of electric and low-emission cars...
Plans Must be Put In Place at Wexford Tyre Points
A farm tyre bring-centre has been set up for Wexford, New Ross Mart on October 9th. However there were reported tailbacks of over 2km last weekend...
Late Payments Crippling Many Businesses
MEPs will gather in Brussels this week to discuss ways of improving the issue of late payments for firms. Managing late payments is a huge issue for...
Laois and Offaly to Join Ireland South
I am delighted to welcome the counties of Laois and Offaly to the new five seat Ireland South Constituency. I look forward to visiting Laois and...
Big Push to Maintain and Increase CAP
It is vital to retain the CAP Budget and increase it. We see the value of it. Every penny a farmer gets is spent in their local community and we...
Young people can apply for European Union €370 million initiative to volunteer or work in projects
The European Solidarity Corps is the new European Union initiative which creates opportunities for young people to volunteer or work in projects in...
European Funding for ‘World Class’ Castletownbere Project
A multi-million euro project to extend the quay in Castletownbere has been part funded by the European Union. Ireland South MEP, Deirdre Clune...
New Laws on Registering Drones
New laws which requires owners of drones in Ireland that weigh more than 250 grams to register the device will come into effect next year....
The EU wants 55% of all plastic to be recycled by 2030
Everyone from producers, to consumers to businesses must play their part in the fight against plastic. Aurvey from Irish Business Against Litter...
€1.25 billion funding available to Irish SMEs
SMEs have been encouraged to apply for millions of euro of funding from the Horizon 2020 SME fund. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)...
Ireland’s Main Airports Contribute €10.2 Billion to the Economy
Passenger numbers at Ireland’s airports have surged 45% since 2012. In Dublin passenger numbers have grown 54% to 29.4m since 2012, while in Shannon...
Major Potential For Rosslare Europort to Grow and Develop
Rosslare Europort is particularly well-placed for development. It is the shortest sea route for goods and passengers to continental Europe from...
UK planes will be restricted from landing at Irish and EU airports if there is a ‘no deal’ Brexit
There are real fears that major restrictions will be imposed on aircraft coming from the UK post Brexit, if no deal is reached. MEP Clune said that...
33,416 Munster Farmers to Get Basic Payment Refund of Almost €5million
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed TD announced that the payment of over €13.2 million to approximately 97,000 farmers...
Holidaymakers are being overcharged by unofficial websites
Many Irish holidaymakers travelling to America must register for an Esta (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) form before they embark on...
Request to Allow Flights Fly from Ireland During a French Air Traffic Strike
Flight delays are set to increase by 53% this year when compared to 2017, mainly as a result of strikes and capacity shortages I have asked the...
2,524 Irish people applied for 140 free Inter Rail tickets
Extra tickets expected to be released for Irish people in the Autumn A scheme which was launched earlier this month offering 140 free Inter Rail...
Ireland is at risk of becoming a one airport nation.
Cork and Shannon Airports cannot be forgotten about while Dublin airport thrives. I am questioning the details announced yesterday by Transport...
Irish Businesses Should Adopt UK Model of Flexible Work
This week I joined Employmum and DePuy Synthes to launch a campaign encouraging companies to ‘think flexibility’ when it comes to retaining...
Holidaymakers are being overcharged by unofficial websites
Many Irish holidaymakers travelling to America must register for an Esta (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) form before they embark on...
Moves to improve working conditions for transport workers
I have welcomed a comprehensive reform package for transport workers which has been approved by the European Parliament. They include better working...
Free Inter-Rail Tickets for Irish People
A scheme has been announced this morning which will offer 140 free Inter Rail tickets to 18 years olds across Ireland. The aim of scheme is to get...
Take care of Irish Oceans this Summer
As more people head to the beach this summer it is important that you take care of the oceans and make sure they stay clean. Ireland led the way...
Business and Tourism in Munster is Suffering
Businesses in Munster and especially, Cork are suffering as vital links to top international hub, Amsterdam remain cut. Inward tourism in Cork and...
Welcome News on Road Safety Measures
The European Commission today announced a major package of road safety measures, which include new targets to reduce by half the number of road...
Car Clocking Legislation Across EU
Last week the European Parliament approved recommendations for tackling odometer fraud almost unanimously, and urged the European Commission to act...
Appeals to Norwegian Air on Cork-Providence Route
As a member of the European Transport and Tourism Committee, I was actively involved in the political will and commitment to the...
Ireland South MEP Calls for Reinstatement of Full Schedule for Cork – Amsterdam Flight
In recent weeks Aer Lingus has reduced the number of flights operating on the Cork-Amsterdam route, removing a critical Thursday evening flight from...
You’ll never miss Irish TV again when you travel in the EU
From Easter Sunday (1 April), Irish people will be able to access their online subscriptions such as Netflix, Spotify and Sky Sports wherever...
Terminally ill workers need protected status under EU law
Last week in Brussels, I officially launched the European Dying to Work Campaign at the European Parliament, Brussels. Terminally ill...
EU Parliament puts stop to Geo-Blocking Online Shoppers
Geo-blocking is the practice whereby consumers are blocked from accessing and buying a product or service from a website based in another EU member...
Statement on the 8th Amendment
Recently, the Oireachtas committee on the Eighth Amendment recommended that this amendment should be repealed and amongst other recommendations that...
Battle to beat plastic waste and clean our waters initiated by the EU
The battle to protect our blue planet received a boost yesterday, as the European Commission launched the European Strategy for Plastics in a...
EU Programme to provide food to the most deprived.
EU-Funded FEAD programme channels non-perishable food through FoodCloud Hubs to those most in need. Under an European Programme, social enterprise...
A Year Long Celebration of European Cultural Heritage Begins in 2018
From archaeological sites to contemporary architecture, from medieval castles to folklore traditions and arts, Europe's cultural heritage is at the...
International Day of Persons with disabilities
Today is International Day of Persons with disabilities. Almost one in six people in the EU aged 15 and over lives with some kind of disability. As...
14% of our young people out of work is not acceptable
Irish young people are choosing academic education over vocational training and this remains a big issue for Ireland. Ireland South MEP and...
European Parliament vote to make driver assistance compulsory in new cars
Ireland South MEP and member of the EU Transport Committee Deirdre Clune has joined other MEPs in the European Parliament in voting to make driver...
Irish Dads are stepping up and staying home to help look after new babies
Ireland South MEP and member of the EU Employment committee Deirdre Clune has welcomed figures released to her by the Department of Social...
Clocks go back – but is it a backwards step?
I am disappointed at lack of progress on daylight saving debate as European Commissionis still investigating annual changing of the clocks. Growing...
Raising awareness of 112
Raising awareness of 112 Did you know that less than half of European citizens identify 112 as the number to call in an emergency anywhere in the...
New EU funding to protect public spaces against terror attacks
Irish Authorities should apply for the funding in cities like Cork, Dublin, Limerick and Galway to reduce the vulnerability of their open spaces to...
BLOG: New survey shows 80% of Irish see the EU as a “good thing”
The results of a opinion poll monitoring citizens attitudes to the European Union was published today. The results contain some interesting stats...
1 in 5 second hand cars imported from the UK are clocked
Ireland South MEP and member of the EU Transport Committee Deirdre Clune has warned those buying second hand cars from the North and the rest of the...
CANCELLED: Mental Health and Active Ageing seminar
A STATUS RED weather warning has been issued by Met Éireann, with storm force winds and heavy rain expected to hit the south coast of Ireland...
Taoiseach’s commitment that M20 be included in 10 year capital plan
This morning the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar confirmed that the M20 motorway between Cork and Limerick is to be included in the 10 year capital plan....
Key vote in EU Parliament wants self-driving car technology to help curb road deaths
Fine Gael Ireland South MEP October 12 2017 Key vote in EU Parliament wants self-driving car technology to help curb road deaths New technology in...
I welcome Minister Donohoe’s decision not to interfere with 9% VAT rate
Deirdre Clune Fine Gael Ireland South MEP October 10th 2017 I welcome Minister Donohoe’s decision not to interfere with 9% VAT rate I wrote to the...
We need to talk about mental health!
October 10th 2017 We need to talk about our mental health! Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has been recognised by Mental Health Europe for her work...
Liam Cosgrave: A commitment to public service and unquestioned support for the institutions of the state.
Deirdre Clune Fine Gael Ireland South MEP October 5th 2017 Liam Cosgrave: A commitment to public service and unquestioned support for the...
Calling on the Minister not to increase the 9% VAT rate!
September 28th Calling on the Minister not to increase the 9% VAT rate! Today, I wrote to Minister Paschal Donohoe urging him not to increase the 9%...
Government scheme to give free classes in how to use the internet
Deirdre Clune Fine Gael Ireland South MEP September 25th Government scheme to give free classes in how to use the internet The Department...
Ryanair needs to be upfront with their passengers
I have called on Ryanair to be upfront with their passengers and communicate clearly which flights they are intending to cancel. The uncertainty...
Juncker’s State of the Union 2017
Below you can find the text to Jean Claude Junker's 'State of the Union' speech which he delivery in the European Parliament in Strasbourg this...
EU initiative gives free Wi-Fi to local communities
This week saw a vote in the European Parliament on proposals to provide €120 million in funding for public WIFI hotspots across our towns and...
€72.8M fund for youth work placements across EU
A €72.8 million fund for voluntary posts and work placements for young people across the EU received the backing of MEPs in Brussels today,...
More investment in apprenticeships as leaving cert students mull over future career plans
August 16th 2017 More investment in apprenticeships as leaving cert students mull over future career plans Today I have...
Event: Where Lies the Future of Europe?
In conjunction with the European Parliament Offices in Ireland, I am hosting an event this Friday, June 30th, entitled "Where Lies the Future of...
The EU Commission must act to protect flights between Ireland and the UK
Following the UK's exit from the European Union, there may be a significant impact on flights between Ireland and the UK, as there will be no...
Irish MEPs meet with EU Brexit Negotiator
Last week in Strasbourg, following Theresa May's speech, the Irish MEPs in Brussels met with Michel Barnier, the European Commission's chief Brexit...
EU court ruling saves Irish motorists from tolls increase
A ruling by the European Court of Justice this morning in favour of the Irish National Roads Authority, means that motorists using the M50,...
Hard work and innovative thinking pays off for new Irish company Pundit Arena – Clune
Hard work and innovative thinking pays off for new Irish company Pundit Arena – Clune Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has met with Pundit...
Clune says migration deal with Turkey is essential part of limiting the influx of illegal migrants to the EU
Clune says migration deal with Turkey is essential part of limiting the influx of illegal migrants to the EU Fine Gael Ireland South MEP,...
Clune calls for more EU funds to be invested in cycle infrastructure
Clune calls for more EU funds to be invested in cycle infrastructure Cycle ways are an affordable way to drive tourism into rural Ireland and...
Give police access to flight details now – Clune
Give police access to flight details now - Clune Clune says a terrorist tracking programme that was approved by the European Parliaments...
Europe must now stand united against terror – Clune
Europe must now stand united against terror – Clune Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has described the terror attacks in Brussels as the...
EU study shows that young drivers are increasing distracted whilst driving – and this has become a major cause of car crashes
EU study shows that young drivers are increasing distracted whilst driving – and this has become a major cause of car crashes Texting while...
Government support for community shops in rural Ireland is a good first step – Clune
Government support for community shops in rural Ireland is a good first step – Clune Clune says people shouldn’t have to drive 6 miles just to pick...
Clune says Irish people should know their employment rights
Clune says Irish people should know their employment rights Clune tells workers that they have rights in the workplace In the wake of a case...
If we design safer cars – we can save lives
If we design safer cars - we can save lives Clune pushes for new changes in Europe that will have a knock on impact on rural road safety in...
Agreement has been reached with the Egyptian authorities to enable the importation of Irish cattle.
Clune welcomes this mornings announcement that agreement has been reached with the Egyptian authorities to enable the importation of Irish cattle....
Only 29% of Irish people are aware of potentially lifesaving number – Clune
Only 29% of Irish people are aware of potentially lifesaving number – Clune As holiday bookings rise by an estimated 40% year on year,...
New Garda figures show that road safety message not sinking in! – Clune
New Garda figures show that road safety message not sinking in! - Clune As Garda figures show that over 800 people per month on average getting...
We can fight diseases like cancer and create more jobs outside Dublin – Clune
Monday, 11th January 2016 We can fight diseases like cancer and create more jobs outside Dublin – Clune Four out of ten people will be...
Clune calls for immediate action on clocked cars
Ireland South MEP and member of the EU Transport committee Deirdre Clune has warned those who are buying a second hand car in the month of January...
Bought your Christmas present online and having problems with it? – Well you have rights!
Bought your Christmas present online and having problems with it? - Well you have rights! As Irish consumers spend 6bn on online sales, Ireland...
Clune welcomes €27.4m Payments for the Dairy and Pig Sectors
Clune welcomes €27.4m Payments for the Dairy and Pig Sectors €13.7m of EU funding for Irish Farmers Minister Coveney confirms flat rate...
Planes not taking direct routes is costing the EU €5 billion euro annually – Clune
Planes not taking direct routes is costing the EU €5 billion euro annually - Clune Clune pushes for new air traffic control management at EU level...
Clune calls for EU wide clampdown on clocked cars
Deirdre Clune Fine Gael Ireland South MEP December 2nd Clune calls for EU wide clampdown on clocked cars Mileage fraud is undermining...
Clune says it is vital we have Irish producers represented on EU trade delegations to Mexico and Columbia
Fine Gael Press Office Deirdre Clune MEP Ireland South Monday, 30th November 2015 Clune says it is vital we have Irish producers represented on EU...
As European Parliament prepares to debate violence against women Clune calls for increased training for judges and Gardaí
Fine Gael Press Office Deirdre Clune MEP Ireland South Tuesday, 24th November 2015 As European Parliament prepares to debate violence against women...
Give police access to our flight, train and ferry details now – Clune
Fine Gael Press Office Deirdre Clune MEP Ireland South Thursday, 19th November 2015 Give police access to our flight, train and ferry details...
Irish SMEs need to plan for Brexit
Irish SMEs need to plan for Brexit The UK is our largest export market, with goods and services exports totaling €30bn in 2014 – 17% of total Irish...
We need urgent action in Ireland to tackle speeding, in particular on our rural roads.
Clune calls for the introduction of new speed technology to be used in our cars Clune says our rural roads are not designed for excessive speeds as...
Clune calls time on Irish banks overuse of personal guarantees
Clune calls time on Irish banks overuse of personal guarantees 1/ 3 of Irish SME loans have a personal Guarantee attached Clune says the Irish banks...
Getting our young people back to work is the key to reviving rural Ireland – Clune
Getting our young people back to work is the key to reviving rural Ireland - Clune Youth Unemployment falls to 19.7% today, November 3rd, but youth...
250,000 children go missing every year in the EU – that’s one every 2 minutes
Clune votes to increase funding for missing children hotlines 250,000 children go missing every year in the EU - that's one every 2 minutes...
EU Funds of €237 million are mobilised to support 20,000 European SMEs
EU Funds of €237 million are mobilised to support 20,000 European SMEs Clune calls for a great emphasis on entrepreneurship as research shows...
Clune calls for a new and improved EU Blue Card system of migration for the EU
Monday, 19th October 2014 Clune calls for a new and improved EU Blue Card system of migration for the EU Fine Gael Ireland South MEP, Deirdre Clune,...
Clune supports EU moves calling for an end to the death penalty
Clune supports EU moves calling for an end to the death penalty Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has said that 2,466 people in 55 countries...
Irish products could be in line for special EU Protection after EU parliament passes important resolution
Welcoming the initiative, MEP Clune described it as a boost for rural Ireland "A geographical indication on a product, such as Parma Ham and...
Mind the Gap – Clune says the gender pay gap is about more than money
Mind the Gap - Clune says the gender pay gap is about more than money Fine Gael Ireland South MEP, Deirdre Clune, is this week taking part in a...
Clune supports a motion to increase emergency aid to Irish farmers
Clune supports a motion to increase emergency aid to Irish farmers Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune is supporting a proposal of the EPP group...
Clune calls on the HSE to fully implement the Cross Border Healthcare Directive
Clune calls on the HSE to fully implement the Cross Border Healthcare Directive Denmark has 30,000 cases, Ireland just 62! Ireland South MEP...
Clune fights to include small and regional airports in EU document
Clune fights to include small and regional airports in EU document on the future of aviation Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has successfully fought...
Clune to host important Tourism Seminar in Cork
Clune to host important Tourism Seminar in Cork Clune calls on tourism business to get online Ireland South MEP, and member of the EU...
Clune slams Sinn Fein for backtracking on water charges
Deirdre Clune Fine Gael Ireland South MEP September 14th 2015 Clune slams Sinn Fein for backtracking on water charges Ireland South MEP...
Any Syrian refugees we take in should be granted immediate work visas – Clune
Any Syrian refugees we take in should be granted immediate work visas - Clune Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has said that Ireland should grant...
As our society gets older, we need to invest in dementia – Clune
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has called on the European Commission to lead the charge against dementia. "There are an estimated 47 million people...
Clune pushes EU to increase youth unemployment budget by a half billion euro
Clune pushes EU to increase youth unemployment budget by a half billion euro Fine Gael Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune, a negotiator on the EU...
Clune expresses support for dairy farmers as we face difficult market
Clune expresses support for dairy farmers as we face difficult market Clune meets with Dairygold CEO Jim Wolfe as the price of milk is expected to...
Travelling this summer? You have rights!
More information on passenger rights here.... http://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/passenger-rights/index_en.htm Fewer than 5% of...
A woman’s place is in… the laboratory
A woman's place is in... the laboratory - Clune New report shows that sexism is alive and well in the workplace Ireland South MEP Deirdre...
Policing farmers costs the EU about 4 billion a year! – Clune
Policing farmers costs the EU about 4 billion a year! - Clune Simpler rules for CAP will save money Four billion Euros of EU money is spent...
FG MEPs welcome positive vote on EU-US trade talks (TTIP)
FG MEPs welcome positive vote on EU-US trade talks (TTIP) - European Parliament backs TTIP with plenary vote July 8th, 2015 The four Fine...
What’s happening in Calais is a tragedy in the making – Clune
Fine Gael Press Office Deirdre Clune MEP Ireland South What's happening in Calais is a tragedy in the making - Clune "Only a matter of time before...
New EU funding for Foynes and Cork port
The Ports of Cork and Foynes have been successful in their application for EU funding under the Connecting Europe Facility. The Pork of Cork has...
The tide is turning at Cork Airport – Clune
The tide is turning at Cork Airport - Clune Cork Airport was last night highly commended at an awards ceremony in Prague hosted by the ACI, the...
The future is electric
Electric cars can help us to meet ambitious EU emissions targets - Clune The future is electric as 2.1m from Europe is spent upgrading...
71 people are killed every day on our roads – Clune
71 Europeans are killed every day on our roads - Clune We are losing the battle against road deaths in Europe! France, Ireland, Germany and...
Clune calls for a regional air connectivity fund to support new routes into our secondary airports
Clune calls for a regional air connectivity fund to support new routes into our secondary airports Every 10,000 new passengers we bring...
Clune welcomes courthouse funding
Welcome investments in Ireland South announced today by Minister Frances Fitzgerald... Limerick City: A new criminal courthouse to be built...
Clune slams the European Commission for dropping commitment to reduce serious road injuries
Clune slams the European Commission for dropping commitment to reduce serious road injuries We need immediate action on rising serious road...
Clune welcomes new funding for our fire fighters
Deirdre Clune has welcomed today's announcement of €8 million in funding for the upgrade of fire stations across the country. This includes 16 new...
Clune calls for clampdown on repeat drunk drivers
Clune calls for clampdown on repeat drunk drivers 6,500 lives could be saved across Europe every year Alcohol interlocks are an effective way to...
Tourism on the rise but Clune has a stark warning for the industry
Ireland South MEP and member of the European Parliaments Tourism Taskforce Deirdre Clune has said that our tourism industry is about to go through...
The Mediterranean will become Europe’s graveyard, if we don’t act!
As Ireland enjoyed the June bank holiday weekend, 5,000 desperate migrants from Libya were rescued as they attempted to cross the Mediterranean to...
Clune says decision on Port of Cork clears the way for EU funding
An Bord Pleanala decision is a boost for Cork Clune says decision on Port of Cork clears the way for EU funding Ireland South MEP and member of the...
Ban Ki Moon puts Tipperary on the global stage – Clune
Ban Ki Moon puts Tipperary on the global stage – Clune Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has praised organisers of the Tipperary International...
Dads have got to step up and stay home – and Governments must help them
Dads have got to step up and stay home – and Governments must help them Shared responsibility for new- born babies is the key to equality in...
Win a trip for 2 to Brussels
"This is a competition designed to get young Irish people thinking about tourism, online tourism and how we can sell our country abroad. I will...
European Parliament to tackle dirty cash
The European Parliament will this week vote on a new Directive designed to combat money-laundering and tax evasion. The Directive would also...
No room at the Inn? Try Airbnb
No room at the Inn? Try Airbnb Airbnb can complement the hospitality sector Clune says we need to adapt to the realities of the sharing economy...
Clune visits the Kerry Technology to talk jobs
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune to visit the Kerry Technology Park and meet with children from Spa national school Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune...
Drone technology will revolutionise rural Ireland
Fine Gael Ireland South MEP and member of the EU Transport Committee, Deirdre Clune, has said that we should harness the potential of drones, but...
Ever thought of living and working in Brussels?
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has encouraged young Irish people to take full advantage of the fact that we are proficient English speakers by...
Wasteful product packaging is costing us money
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has called for immediate action to reduce packaging on the products we are buying every day. Speaking as the...
Clune calls on bus unions to call off planned strike
Ireland South MEP and member of the European Parliaments Tourism Taskforce Deirdre Clune has appealed to bus unions to call off their planned strike...
Clune calls for EU action on illegal organ trafficking
A workshop in the European Parliament this week organised for the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food safety has heard that up to one...
Clune welcomes valuable marine research funding for Ireland South
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has welcomed marine research funding under the Horizon 20/20 programme. MEP Clune described the funding as a vote of...
Over 300 airlines banned from European airspace – Clune
Ireland South MEP and member of the EU Transport committee Deirdre Clune has called on the European Commission to organise an International Aviation...
Clune pleads with tourism providers not to increase prices ahead of the season
Ireland South MEP and member of the EU Tourism Taskforce Deirdre Clune has pleaded with tourism providers not to increase prices ahead of this...
Fine Gael MEPs support Yes vote in Marriage Referendum
Fine Gael MEPs are calling for a Yes vote in the upcoming Marriage Referendum on May 22nd. Speaking from the European Parliament, the four MEPs...
Clune calls for stronger clampdown on online child sexual abuse
Yesterday the European Parliament approved a resolution to fight online sexual abuse of children. Speaking after the vote Ireland South MEP Deirdre...
Clune welcomes new routes for Cork airport
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has welcomed two new routes for Cork airport, but says we have a mountain to climb, "The new routes are...
Coláiste Íde puts some tough questions to MEP Deirdre Clune in the European Parliament
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has welcomed the students of Coláiste Íde in Dingle to the European Parliament. Speaking to the Coláiste Íde...
Creating real jobs in Rural Ireland and lowering electricity bills – Clune
Investment in increased energy retrofitting of both domestic and public buildings will create jobs in rural Ireland and reduce our electricity...
Proposed EU measure on food labelling is Rep Tape dressed up as consumer protection – Clune
The European Parliament today voted on a resolution to call on the EU Commission to introduce legislation to make country of origin labelling...
Tourism is changing – Clune warns small tourism providers to get online
Following her first meeting as a full member of the European Parliaments Tourism Taskforce, Fine Gael MEP for Ireland South, Deirdre Clune has...
Sale of Aer Lingus should only be considered if Heathrow slots are protected – Clune
Fine Gael MEP for Ireland South and Member of the European Parliament’s Transport Committee, Deirdre Clune, has said that the sale of Aer Lingus...
European Directive has the potential to hurt small scale tourism in Ireland – Clune
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has vowed to fight to change the Package Travel Directive that is due to come back before the European Parliament...
Poor road maintenance is costing lives and hindering business – Clune
A new EU report* on road surfaces shows that Ireland drastically reduced our road maintenance budget between 2008 and 2011 due to the economic...
Climate change is as much an opportunity as it is a challenge
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has been appointed by the European Peoples Party to negotiate on the Commissions new employment initiative that aims...
10 Infographics that explain the EU Parliament…. we hope
Infographs and GIFs seem to be good at getting the point across. We have put them to the test by using them to try to explain the most confusing...
Emergency service response time would be cut by 50% in rural areas – Clune
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune, a member of the European Transport committee, has welcomed a political agreement between the European Parliament...
Fewer than 5% of people are claiming their entitlements – Clune
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune, a member of the Transport Committee of the European Parliament has called on European Airlines to pay up when it...
Car clocking is endangering lives on our roads – Clune
Ireland South MEP and member of the Transport committee, Deirdre Clune has met with several motoring organisations across Europe who have grave...
Clune welcomes Central Bank U-Turn and calls for Stress Tests, not deposits
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has welcomed comments by the Governor of the Central Bank, Patrick Honohan, that he may consider a relaxation of the...
Creating well educated graduates with proper problem solving capabilities – Clune
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has called for immediate action on the skills shortage that is leading to a scenario where up to 4,500 jobs remain...
Deirdre Clune writes exclusively for the Evening Echo
Deirdre Clune, Cork airport opinion piece 14-10-14 At the launch of their summer schedule Ryanair recently criticised Cork airport for excessive...
SIPTUs position is irresponsible and will cost us jobs in the tourist sector – Clune
"SIPTU are arguing today that the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, should withdraw the reduced 9% VAT rate for the hospitality sector, as the...
Cork is fast becoming a hub for dynamic and cutting edge technology – Clune
Deirdre Clune, MEP for Ireland South, has welcomed the news that 100 new IT jobs are on the way for Cork, Richard Bruton will visit Cork today,...
Clune calls on the new commissioner to relax state aid rules for regional airports
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has called on the new European Transport Commissioner to relax state aid rules for Irish and European airports....
Making Ireland a hub for adventure tourism – Clune
Speaking ahead of the Adventure Travel World Summit which takes place in Killarney from October 6 -9th, Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune, a member of...
Clune vows to fight red tape for SMEs at European level
Clune vows to fight red tape for SMEs at European level Deirdre Clune MEP, a member of the European Parliament Intergroup on Small and Medium...
Deirdre Clune writes exclusively for the Evening Echo
´Cork Airport can act as an engine for growth´ Having an airport minutes from the city centre is a resource that many European cities would be...
We need a new focus on Cork airport – Clune
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has called for a renewed focus on Cork airport, "An expanding airport in Cork with links to important cities...
Getting our young people back to work has to be our priority – Clune
Deirdre Clune MEP has called on the European Commission to prioritise the issue of Youth Unemployment which stands at 22.5% on average across Europe...
60,000 jobs can be created by 2020 by developing tourism – Clune
The tourism sector has the potential to create 60,000 jobs by 2020 if we continue to invest and focus on what Ireland has to offer. That is...
Clune calls on Gardaí to implement comprehensive domestic abuse policy
Fine Gael Ireland South European Candidate, Deirdre Clune, has said that it should be a priority of the new Garda Commissioner, when appointed, to...
Clune to push for standard regulation for insurers across the EU after Setanta debacle
Fine Gael Ireland South European Candidate, Deirdre Clune, has said she will raise the issue of the regulatory environment for the insurance...
Women occupy key positions in justice area following appointment of Frances Fitzgerald – Clune
Fine Gael Ireland South European Candidate, Deirdre Clune, has welcomed the appointment of Minister Frances Fitzgerald as Minister for Justice and...
Cork must get its fair share of economic recovery! – Clune
PhoneWatch, the market leader in monitored home security solutions in the Republic of Ireland has announced it is to create 230 new jobs as it...
A strong independent Shannon airport is good for Clare – Clune
The Government has this week signed off on a Bill to set up the new Shannon Group commercial State PLC company on a statutory basis. Ireland South...
Cork firm estimates that 250 million stolen identities and credit cards for sale online – Clune
Cork company, Trustev leading the fight against online credit card fraud Fine Gael Ireland South European Candidate, Deirdre Clune, has praised Cork...
Important Conference today in France for Cork Airport – Clune
“Management at Cork Airport are today, Monday April 7th, in the process of aggressively marketing the airport to 16 different airlines at the Routes...
Stena line drops their Irish suppliers in an underhanded manner! – Clune
Ireland South European Candidate Deirdre Clune has criticised Stena Line Ferries for dropping Irish suppliers following their takeover of Irish...
Cork must act as a strong counter balance to a booming Dublin! – Clune
Ireland South European Parliamentary Candidate Deirdre Clune has called on the Taoiseach to ensure we have a proper strategy going forward to...
Clune urges those in mortgage arrears negotiations to request bank’s file on them
Access to file can give customers leverage in mortgage negotiations Fine Gael Ireland South European Parliament Candidate, Deirdre Clune, has urged...
Trustev showcase the potential for Irish tech companies on world stage – Clune
Trustev, a Cork tech company that specialises in fraud prevention, has won the Enterprise and Big Data category in the South by Southwest (SXSW)...
Clune welcomes creation of 150 new high quality jobs in Cork
Fine Gael Cork Senator and candidate for Ireland South, Deirdre Clune, has today (Wednesday) welcomed the creation of 150 new jobs in Cork by the...
€75 million fund shows shows Govt commitment to small and medium sized Irish business – Clune
Fine Gael candidate for Ireland South, Deirdre Clune, has welcomed the announcement by Minister for Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation, Richard Bruton...
I welcome plan to make Post Office network the front office of Government !
I welcome the Government’s plan to secure the future of our post offices, by making the An Post network the front office of Government. Last night...
