Reasons to Vote for Eoin Ryan

• I will keep on fighting for EU funding to create and protect jobs in Dublin
• I will persevere in cutting red tape and reducing bureaucracy for Dublin businesses
• I will fight to stop Irish consumers being ripped off on the high street
• I will promote consumer rights and ensure that the EU steps up transparency, information and protection for consumers
• I will continue working with local community groups and at an EU level to combat the problem of drugs in our communities
• I will ensure that the EU upholds the rights of the poor and oppressed in the developing world and that EU taxpayers' money reaches those it can most help
• I will promote job creation and community development through incentives for green innovation and environmentally-based Research and Development
• I will ensure that Ireland and Dublin remain at the heart of EU decision making and that Dublin's best interests are served at a European level
• I will be an experienced, strong and determined local voice fighting for Dublin in the EU

Eoin Ryan was voted to go to Europe and he went:

• 11 European Parliament reports/opinions on matters of economic and social importance
• 91 resolutions on human rights, democracy and the rule of law
• Europe-wide initiative to stamp out corruption in the EU - http://www.stopcorruption.eu/

Eoin Ryan is an MEP with real political experience:

• A Councillor representing Dublin Inner City for 15 years and Senator for 3 years
• A TD representing Dublin South East for 15 years
• Minister for State with Responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy for 2 years

Eoin Ryan has a 25 year track record working for Dublin:

• Delivered funding for urban development in Dublin, including 11 million euro for Ballyfermot
• Secured 24 million euro for Dublin Local Drugs Task Forces
• Delivered funding for local sports facilities, including Irishtown Sports Stadium

Eoin Ryan is Pro-Europe and Pro-Lisbon, which is good for Dublin

In recent years the EU has funded:

• The LUAS
• The renovation of the Royal Canal
• High-speed internet for Dublin

Eoin Ryan is making Europe work for Dublin:

• 350 million euro in European Investment Bank funding secured for Irish small businesses
• Initiated high-level meetings with key Irish representatives and European Commissioners
• Maximised access to EU Research and Development funds for Dublin Universities and businesses

Vote 1 Eoin Ryan MEP

Your MEP for Jobs and Investment

European Investment is Crucial

I welcome the publication by Chambers Ireland in Dublin today of a new guide regarding how companies can draw down funding from the European Investment Bank (EIB).

The European Investment Bank Smarter Business Guide” will make it easier for businesses to understand how they can access vital funding from the EIB.

As a Dublin MEP, funding for small businesses is an issue that I have campaigned on rigorously.  It is not only about obtaining funding from the EU but ensuring that small businesses are aware of it and can access such funds.  That is why I brought numerous leading small business associations and banking representative groupings to Luxembourg this year to meet with the top representatives from the EIB.

I arranged a meeting with Irish small business associations and numerous banks with the Vice President of the European Investment Bank and leading EIB officials to ensure that Ireland could drawdown these funds in as short a timeframe as possible. 400,000 people are employed by small and medium sized businesses in Dublin alone and these jobs must be protected.

I would like to congratulate Chambers Ireland on the publication of The Guide, a campaign which they championed.  Effective and clear communication regarding EU funding and how to access it is essential so that small businesses can avail of valuable EU funding.  The Smarter Guide provides details of sources of funding which may help small businesses through the current economic climate.

Supporting small and medium enterprises has been an key priority for me as an MEP for the past five years and if re-elected to the European Parliament I plan to continue to fight for funding in this area. Europe is critical to our economic recovery. 

The European Investment Bank has already signed off on a €300 million loan package for Irish SMEs with 3 Irish banks.  We must continue to stay at the heart of Europe.

Fianna Fáil MEP & Cllr. condemn attack on Esther Uzell

Dublin Fianna Fáil MEP, Eoin Ryan and South East Inner City Councillor, Sarah Ryan have condemned the attack and intimidation perpetrated upon local election Independent candidate Esther Uzell in recent days.

Dublin MEP Eoin Ryan stated “This is a disgraceful situation that undermines democracy and cannot be tolerated.  When you have a situation whereby a candidate in a local election is targeted and intimated, who has their car was smashed up less than two days after they announce their candidacy you cannot be anything other than appalled.”

Eoin Ryan MEP continued “As candidates we prepare ourselves for a tough campaign but such acts of violence are beyond anything that any candidate should have to endure.  Those who took part in this attack and despicable attempt at intimidation should be ashamed.” 

Councillor Sarah Ryan stated “Having worked with the local community in the area, I know that they are also appalled by what has happened.  It is an issue that is coming up on the doors, there is a real feeling of shock among the community.”

Councillor Ryan concluded “I would encourage anybody with any information regarding their identity to come forward and speak with Gardai.”

New Figures Reveal Sharp Rise in Irish Deaths Abroad

The numbers of Irish holidaymakers losing their lives abroad so far this year has increased with 88 people falling victim to tragedy.

The start of the holiday-season has seen the numbers increase sharply with eight people passing away in the past week alone.

The figures represent an increase of almost 10% on the same period last year and are a stark reminder to Dubliners to take some vital safeguards before heading overseas on holiday.

The European Union is working to ensure that its citizens have the maximum level of protection when on holiday abroad, however we all have a personal responsibility to take steps ourselves.

My colleague the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, TD has repeatedly advised people to ensure they have proper insurance when travelling. This is especially important when going long-haul to the popular destinations in Asia, Australia and in the Americas.

Too many Irish families are left devastated not only emotionally but financially when one of their loved ones falls victim to accidents.

In addition it is important that all Irish travellers register with the Department of Foreign Affairs before travelling. This can be done atwww.dfa.ie. This ensures the Department can quickly contact our people in the event of attacks like Mumbai, disturbances in Thailand or natural disasters like the Tsunami.

At the European Parliament I am continuing to work to ensure Irish people have other safeguards. The most important so far is the E111 card. This is available free of charge to all our people and gives them access to public health services in all EU countries. Application can be made on-line through the Health Service Executive.

Thousands of Irish people will go on holidays in the coming weeks and will return home safely, however I strongly advise anyone heading abroad to take these simple steps to ensure that in the event of an accident that they have the maximum level of protection.

Eoin Ryan MEP rejects Gerry Adams claims about EU Dublin campaign

I completely reject the intervention by Gerry Adams in the European Parliament election campaign in Dublin.

I utterly reject the claims made by Gerry Adams that I am running a dirty tricks campaign. 

My campaign is focussed on what I can deliver in Europe in terms of creating jobs for the people of Dublin.  This is in stark contrast to the campaign of Sinn Fein which will offer nothing in terms of job creation.

It is factually the case that Gerry Adam’s candidate, namely Mary Lou Mc Donald has the lowest attendance record in the European Parliament of all Irish MEPS.

Sinn Féin is running an anti Europe campaign. This is the last thing that the economy of Dublin needs at this very difficult and dangerous time for Ireland.

The Sinn Féin campaign on Europe will bring nothing positive to the people of Dublin. A vote for Sinn Féin is a vote against Europe.

My commitment to Europe is absolute. Now is the time to embrace the European Union project and not to isolate ourselves from the EU.

Sinn Féin policies on Europe would isolate Ireland at a time when we need the European Union to support the development of the Dublin economy.

"We can't just hope for the best, we have to fight for it"

Vote 1 Eoin Ryan MEP - Fighting for Dublin in Europe

‘Amber Alert’ can save missing kids

Today, May 25th is International Missing Children's Day. The purpose of the day is to remind us of all those children, like Madeline McCann, who are remain separated from their families and to think about about parents like Gerry and Kate McCann, who have spent over two years living the daily torment of every parent's worst nightmare.

But it is also a day to commit ourselves to putting a system in place so that more of these vulnerable, innocent children can be found. I met with Maddie's parents, Gerry and Kate, in June last year and heard their harrowing story. They are working and campaigning to ensure that others do not have to suffer as they have suffered over the past two years. I support that campaign and I am proud that I was among the first MEPs to support a European Parliament Written Declaration calling on EU Member States to introduce a uniform missing child alert system.

When a child goes missing, the first 72 hours are critically importance. That is why it is so important that our police forces and national authorities work together within the structure of a European wide child alert system. We know of the success of the US style amber alert programme which has led to the safe return of hundreds of children who have been abducted from one US state to the next.


I welcome the fact that my colleague and Justice Minister, Dermot Ahern, TD, last month gave the go-ahead for the establishment of an "amber alert" system here. I will be pressing Minister Ahern to ensure that the Irish Alert system is up and running as soon as possible, but my priority in the European Parliament will be to ensure that other EU countries move speedily put the common EU wide system in place.

It is an area where all the countries of the EU can work more effectively by acting today rather than acting individually. I welcome the fact that the European Commission has already reserved the telephone number 116 000 and earlier this year put aside 1 million euro for implementation of the EU wide scheme.  It is an example of how the EU can take the lead and how Members of the European Parliament can make a real and vital difference for the people of Dublin.

More pictures from the campaign trail

"We can't just hope for the best, we have to fight for it"

Vote 1 Eoin Ryan MEP - Fighting for Dublin in Europe

Sinn Fein’s obstruction to Shell Gas facility puts 1000 jobs in jeopardy; EU provides €110 million to Ireland for massive new energy inter-connector

The EU’s €110 million allocation for an electricity inter-connector between Ireland and Britain will create hundreds of jobs in Dublin and will protect our future energy supplies.  The inter-connector is vital so Ireland can move into the heart of the European energy market.  It will deliver cheaper electricity and create hundreds of jobs in Dublin particularly in the area of construction. We must aim to build a smart economy and become known as the innovation island.

While I am working to create jobs, Sinn Fein is trying to destroy jobs.

The new Shell Gas facility off the West Coast of Ireland will see 1000 jobs created, provide over 60% of our gas needs and is worth €3 billion to the economy. Yet Sinn Fein is saying no to the 1000 jobs, no to the benefits of this important economic project and is endangering our future energy supplies. 

A vote for Sinn Fein in this election is a vote against Europe.  Sinn Fein’s policies on Europe fly in the face of our National interests.  The fact is we need EU support so jobs can be created in Dublin and elsewhere.  We need to be smart and develop other energy sectors and through EU funding we can do that.

Changing Face of Dublin City as Beckett Bridge hits the Liffey

The Samuel Beckett Bridge was moved onto the River Liffey this morning to begin construction.  The bridge is a welcome addition to Dublin's landscape and will bring many benefits.

The Samuel Beckett Bridge is a testament to the changing face of Dublin City and how far the city has evolved.  The bridge is a stunning piece that will serve to impr

ess visitors to Dublin and reduce traffic in our city.  The bridge was moved during the early hours of the morning onto the Liffey to begin its construction and it is due to open in 2010 when it will make an enormous difference to congestion as well an enhancing the city aesthetically.

The opening of the bridge in 2010 will be a landmark for the city and it will serve as a major factor in the fight against congestion on our streets.  It will facilit

ate drivers, public transports, cyclists and pedestrians alike and will offer commuters in the city a more diverse choice.

The Dublin City Council commissioned Samuel Beckett Bridge measures 120 metres long; 48 metres high.  The Samuel Beckett bridge was funded by Dublin City Council, with the Department of Environment contributing over half of the €59.95m project cost, Heritage and Local Government and Dublin Docklands Development Authority co-funding the remainder. 

The Samuel Beckett bridge is an investment into the future of this city.  It is an attractive landmark for tourists and an essential step in improving Dublin City’s traffic infrastructure. 

"We can't just hope for the best, we have to fight for it"

Vote 1 Eoin Ryan MEP - Fighting for Dublin in Europe

The role of the European Parliament and your MEP

The European Parliament, which works in 23 languages, meets in Brussels and Strasbourg.  Members of the European Parliament (MEP) are elected once every five years by voter right across the 27 Member States of the European Union on behalf of its 492 million citizens.

• The European Parliament is the only European institution to be directly elected by the people.

• The European Parliament passes laws which apply to all 27 countries of the European Union.

• The European Parliament must approve the President and Members of the European Commission before they can take office.

• The European Parliament supervises the action of the European Commission and can sack the Commission if dissatisfied.

• The European Parliament holds the purse strings of the EU, and has the last word on its annual budget.

• Members of the European Parliament are elected in EU countries in rough proportion to the country's size; so Germany has most members, Malta fewest.

• Members of the European Parliament do not sit in national delegations, but in political groups based on their political views
  

You can find some great short information videos about the European Union here

For more information on the European Parliament you can visit their website

If you are looking for information on the record of Dublin's MEPs in the European Parliament you can find the offical European Parliament records for your MEPs:

• attendance
  
• reports and opinions published 
  
• speeches in plenary
  
• motions for resolution 
  
• questions
  

You will also find details on their membership to different Committees and the work that these Committees are engaged in.  Just follow the links below to find out what your MEP has been doing at the European Parliament.

Eoin Ryan

Gay Mitchell

Prionsios de Rossa

Mary Lou McDonald

"We can't just hope for the best, we have to fight for it"

Vote 1 Eoin Ryan MEP - Fighting for Dublin in Europe

Sinn Fein’s policies on Europe send out wrong message

Sinn Fein’s policies on Europe send the wrong message to foreign investors and could cost jobs. 

These foreign companies play a vital role in job creation in Ireland.

As a member of the economics committee in the European Parliament I know the vital role that Europe will play for our emergence out of this recession.  One of the primary reasons why Ireland has 1,000 companies located throughout the country is because we are at the very centre of the European Union project.

These companies want to see Ireland as a respected and a key member of the European Union shaping policies in Europe that will support economic growth and job creation. 

Increasing export led growth from Ireland into the EU marketplace of 500 million people is one of the policies which will assist ireland to economically recover.   Sinn Fein’s continued attacks on the EU and its opposition to any revised Lisbon Treaty arrangement flies in the face of our economic interest.

 It is clearly to the political and economic benefit of our country that we ratify the Lisbon treaty. This is the best way forward for our country if we are to maintain employment in our country, create new jobs, stay competitive and secure new levels of investment into our country.

"We can't just hope for the best, we have to fight for it"

Vote 1 Eoin Ryan MEP - Fighting for Dublin in Europe

Pictures from the Launch of the European Campaign

More Pictures from The Campaign Trail

Eoin Ryan MEP and the new Samuel Beckett Bridge

Eoin Ryan MEP and the new Samuel Beckett Bridge

"We can't just hope for the best, we have to fight for it"

Vote 1 Eoin Ryan MEP - Fighting for Dublin in Europe

Pictures from The Campaign Trail

Eoin Ryan MEP with Eamonn Coughlan at sporting event in Trinity College

Eoin Ryan MEP at sporting event in Trinity College

Eoin Ryan MEP out canvassing with Cllr Sarah Ryan in SEIC

Eoin Ryan MEP out canvassing with Averil Power

"We can't just hope for the best, we have to fight for it"

Vote 1 Eoin Ryan MEP - Fighting for Dublin in Europe

MTV teams up with EU on Campaign to Encourage Young People to Vote

MTV is running a series of ads to promote the 2009 European Parliament election campaign on its international network of 168 channels. The ads show young people hanging loudspeakers on landmarks in London, Paris and Rome. The message? Voting is a way for young people to make their voices heard.

“Young people are the future of the European Union. We need their ideas and their active involvement. They need to know that their voice counts,” said commission vice-president Margot Wallström. This explains the slogan: Can you hear me?

The campaign also features a website where young people can express their wishes and ideas - they can also contribute to the page via Twitter.

The Truth is Out - Libertas is Anti-Europe

Declan Ganley’s visit to the Czech Republic has finally opened up his anti-EU agenda and the incredible nature of the people who he is gathering under the Libertas banner.  His main visit is with Vaclav Klaus, a man who has called for the EU to be “abolished” and who recently claimed that there should be even less regulation on banks.

Mr Ganley is also promoting the interests of his candidates including Mr Vladimir Zelezny who is in charge of Libertas in the Czech Republic.  Mr Zelezny was only yesterday convicted of tax fraud by an appeals court, which comes on top of an international judgement against his business practices which cost the Czech State over €200 million.

The Libertas list leader, Vlastimil Tlusty, is a former communist whose period as Finance Minister in 2006 was so controversial that he was removed after three months.

This visit yet again confirms that a vote for Libertas marks a vote to an extreme anti-EU agenda and the promotion of people with deeply disturbing histories.

Thankfully, the latest poll give Libertas in the Czech Republic ¼%, even less support than in Ireland.  Libertas hide behind their one-liners claiming they want democracy, transparency and accountability yet they deliberately undermine each concept.

"We can't just hope for the best, we have to fight for it"

Vote 1 Eoin Ryan MEP - Fighting for Dublin in Europe

Flood Protection for Dublin made possible with EU Funding

I welcome today's completion of the Spencer Dock flood gates and believe it demonstrates the positive impact of EU investment into Dublin.

The official completion of the Spencer Dock flood gates is a prime example of the importance of the EU to the Dublin economy.  The Dublin Flooding Initiative led by Dublin City Council was part funded by the EU.  Under the INTERREG funding initiative through the SAFER and Flood Resilient Cities projects these flood protection measures became possible.  As a result of EU investment the need for these flood gates was established.  A new flood partnership with east wall area communities was formally established and a tidal surge early warning system was put in place.

These gates will ensure that the flooding of 2002 will not be repeated.  The result of the Spencer Dock flood gates is that Dublin is a safer and flood resilient city.

The gates themselves were funded by DCC/OPW/DDDA and will be operated by waterways Ireland. This scheme is the final building block in protecting the people of East Wall area and is a prime example of how EU funding can make a real impact on lives of people in Dublin.

EU funding is crucial to the Dublin economy and today’s completion of the Spencer Dock flood gates is a prime example of the positive benefits that EU funding brings to Dublin.

"We can't just hope for the best, we have to fight for it"

Vote 1 Eoin Ryan MEP - Fighting for Dublin in Europe

British Stores Must End Price Differentials

I have written to the EU Competition Commissioner Nellie Kroes, calling for an investigation into price differentials by British multiple stores operating in the Republic of Ireland.

The Irish Times report showing that goods in Tesco Irish supermarkets are 13.2 % higher in Irish stores than in Britain was shocking.

The profit margins in Ireland are significantly higher than in the rest of the company, with the Irish profit margin a reported 9.3% last year with a projected rise to 9.5% this year.  British supermarket stores have simply failed to lower their prices in Ireland to take account of the value of sterling and by doing so they are taking advantage of the Irish consumer.

British supermarket stores operating in the Republic of Ireland have simply failed to lower their prices to take account of the value of sterling.  This is simply unacceptable and cannot be allowed to continue.  Irish consumers are being taken advantage of.

I have called on the European Commission to investigate these practises which are adding substantial costs for Irish consumers who are particularly price sensitive at this very difficult economic time.  The anger that people are feeling concerning this specific issue is palpable.

British Stores Must End Price Differentials and Reflect Real Value of Sterling Exchange Rate.

"We can't just hope for the best, we have to fight for it"

Vote 1 Eoin Ryan MEP - Fighting for Dublin in Europe