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

Canvassing in Dundrum

Here are a couple of pictures from the canvass in Dundrum over the weekend. It was a very positive day and I'm looking forward to the busy schedule ahead. Hope to see many of you around Dublin city in the coming weeks.

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

Vote 1 Eoin Ryan MEP - Fighting for Dublin in Europe

Launch of Campaign Pictures

Here are a couple of pictures from the launch of the European Parliament election campaign.   I am encouraging voters to cast their ballots for pro-European candidates.  Ireland's pro-European candidates for the European Parliament understand that the EU will be central in helping Ireland weather this recession.  I have been fighting for Dublin in Europe and will continue to ensure that any opportunities for EU funding for Irish business and our economy are taken.  With 400,000 people working in 100,000 companies in the SME sector in Dublin alone it is essential that we make sure that jobs in this sector are protected.  By working closely with the EU we can achieve positive results for Dublin and for Ireland.  We need to stay at the heart of Europe and that means sending representatives to Brussels who undertstand how the EU works and who know the real value that comes out of our strong relationship with the EU.

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

Vote 1 Eoin Ryan MEP - Fighting for Dublin in Europe

Irish Banks must allow customers move from fixed to variable mortgages

Irish banks must implement a policy that allows customers to switch from fixed to variable mortgages.

“Many mortgage holders are benefitting from the fall in their interest payments after the European Central Bank (ECB) cut interest rates to an historic 1%.  However, tens of thousands of people are paying fixed rate mortgages at 5.5% or higher.  These customers must be allowed benefit from the lower interest rates.  The banks must make it easier for customers to switch from fixed to variable rates.  

Banks must demonstrate a willingness to help people through this recession; they have to make things easier for their customers.  The costs associated with switching from fixed to a variable rate are too high and given the current economic climate these costs eliminate the possibility of switching.  Those who are on fixed interest rates are under immense pressure to meet repayments and many live in constant fear of losing their home.  This is a particular problem in Dublin which saw housing prices soar during the boom years and many are paying interest rates of 5.5 % or even higher.

Home owners must benefit from the lower interest rates that are now available.  It is in the interests of the banking sector that it takes care of its customers during these recessionary times.  Not enough information is given by Irish banks to customers of the benefits that could accrue to switching mortgages from a fixed to a variable rate.

In a spirit of solidarity, and taking into account the support the state is now giving Irish banks from taxpayer monies, the banking sector itself must demonstrate to the people of Ireland that it is willing and able to help people through this recession.  Banks must become more flexible on this issue.  They must initiate a policy that facilitates customers to pay their loans at variable and not fix rates.

EU Competitiveness lies in the hands of Small Businesses

At the launch of European Small and Medium Enterprise Week in Dublin today, Eoin Ryan stated that the EU must become more innovative in how they deal with small businesses if Europe is to remain competitive in the global market and counteract the more 'SME friendly' policies of the U.S.

Speaking at the launch Eoin Ryan stated “Europe must change its attitude and policies on small business, through legislation, tax and grants to ensure that European businesses are at the forefront of research and development. The current EU set limits on State Aid Rules is hampering our competitiveness globally. US policy has allowed for greater opportunities in the area of research and development and the EU is falling behind. We cannot change US policy, we must change our own.”

"The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants of the U.S. Government enable 11 federal agencies with large research and development budgets to allocate a an average 2.5% of their funding, to be competitively awarded to small businesses. The small businesses that win awards through this program are encouraged to commercialise the technology and also retain the rights to any technology that they develop."

“Technologies being developed by small EU companies are extremely relevant to the realisation of EU objectives in many areas including energy and healthcare and we must follow examples such as the US SBIR scheme in order to ensure that we remain competitive, innovative and leaders in the field. We cannot allow a situation whereby companies developing these technologies are hampered in their development by the lack of State funding. Here in Dublin alone, roughly 400,000 people are employed in 100,000 SMEs. The figures speak for themselves. Small businesses are the cornerstone of the European economy and are central to an economically strong European Union."

Sean McNulty of leading consultancy and 'Expert Workshop in Business Innovation' organiser, INNOVATOR said, “The reality is that the techniques of innovation can be applied to companies of all sizes, and indeed now is a very good time for small and medium sized companies to investigate new approaches to developing business opportunities by analysing and rejuvenating their business model”.

Eoin Ryan concluded "Innovation and entrepreneurship are the driving forces of the European economy. Entrepreneurs and people with innovation are behind the 25 million small to medium sized enterprises in Europe. These SMEs account for 99% of all business in the EU and for 75 million jobs. We cannot change US policy but we can change our own and we must support these businesses that contribute so much to the economy in Dublin and Europe alike."

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

Vote 1 Eoin Ryan MEP - Fighting for Dublin in Europe

Czech Senate vote in favour of the Lisbon Treaty

Fianna Fáil MEP, Eoin Ryan has today welcomed the decision of the Czech Senate to ratify the Lisbon Treaty by 54 votes to 20.

Statement by Eoin Ryan MEP

This is a very significant result in regard to the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty. EU countries are becoming more aware of the critical role that the EU plays in the lives of its citizens and I firmly believe that Europe holds the key to economic recovery.

Our European partners are working with us to address the key concerns expressed by the Irish people in the Lisbon Treaty of June 2008. The concerns raised in the June 2008 referendum are being addressed and we are currently seeking a number of guarantees to address these important issues.

I was delighted to see that the Treaty continues to be ratified across Europe and I think that we as Dubliners, Irish and Europeans have become far more conscious of the positive impact the EU has had and will continue to have on our economy.

The European Union project is more important to Dublin than ever before and will play a major role in our economic recovery. Programmes such as research and technology and re-training initiatives receive invaluable support from Europe in addition to key economic projects such as support for small and medium sized enterprises which employ 400,000 people in Dublin alone, the new East-West electricity interconnector and CAP fund transfers to name but a few.

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

Vote 1 Eoin Ryan MEP - Fighting for Dublin in Europe

Meeting with European Investment Bank

As a member of the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee in the European Parliament I have been pushing for more assistance for the SME sector and the development of stricter European financial services regulations.

We find ourselves in extraordinary economic circumstances and I am fighting to get as much assistance as we need from the EU to get us through these difficult times.

Today, I am in Luxembourg having talks with the European Investment Bank looking to secure more funding for Irish businesses.

In Dublin alone there are approximately 400,000 people employed in 100,000 companies in the SME sector.

In March I wrote an opinion on the Renewed Social Agenda for the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee. Below is the text of that opinion.

_______________

The Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs calls on the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, as the committee responsible, to incorporate the following suggestions in its motion for a resolution:

1. Reiterates the importance of a strong SME sector in order to provide a stable foundation for sustainable economic growth and social development and in order to increase living standards and the social fabric by stimulating private ownership and entrepreneurial skills, generating employment, diversifying economic activity, and contributing to regional development; welcomes, therefore, the Commission's initiative to reduce red tape in business but, given that the vast majority of enterprises in the European Union employ fewer than 10 people, believes that more needs to be done in this regard;

2. Regrets that although the financial crisis demonstrates the importance of State action in regard to maintaining economic activity and strengthening social cohesion, the Commission has not ensured the future of and the crucial role played by public services in the European Union by proposing a framework directive on services of general interest;

3. Will pay particular attention to the Commission’s report on the impact of demographic ageing on public spending and to its communication on the long-term sustainability of public finances, which are to be submitted in 2009; in that context, will take steps to ensure that the proposals for the modernisation of pension schemes do not lead to a decrease in the resources available to retired people; will also pay particular attention to the pension status of atypical workers;

4. Welcomes the importance given to the conventions adopted by the International Labour Organization, which must be regarded as minimum standards as regards decent work, and emphasises the importance of restoring the remunerative value of work, both within the European Union and in its relations with third countries;

5. Recognises the role that micro-credit can play in promoting social inclusion and in enhancing economic opportunities; calls on the Commission to improve the generation of and access to information relating to the opportunities as regards and availability of micro-credit and to target actively those groups in society that could benefit most from and that have most need of micro-credit;

6. Believes that the Commission and the Member States should step up their efforts to improve digital literacy and access to the information society; emphasises that special attention must be given to tackling the digital divide by focusing on access to information technology and to education by older people, people with disabilities, and people living in rural and marginal regions;

7. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to promote financial inclusion and education and to ensure that all citizens have access to basic banking services;

8. Welcomes the setting up in 2007 of the European Global Adjustment Fund; calls for further exploitation of the potential of that fund through the simplification of the relevant procedures.

Click here for more opinions that I have written at the European Parliament

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

Vote 1 Eoin Ryan MEP - Fighting for Dublin in Europe

Youth Media for Europe

European Movement Ireland and Irish Youth Media Development have selected 25 young people to be the official RTE.ie youth correspondents for the June 2009 European elections. The young reporters, five from every Republic of Ireland constituency and a team from Northern Ireland, will bring a youth perspective to the political debate. Our young reporters will help to open up a new and dynamic dimension of political commentary.

This competition is an ideal opportunity for young people to vocalise what they envision the future of Europe to be, as well as casting a critical eye on what has been achieved so far.

Too often young people feel that their voice is not listened to and that they are not given opportunities to contribute to important decision making processes.

I would encourage all young people who feel they want to have their say to come forward, to participate in the competition. This way Ireland's role as a Member State of the EU may be strengthened.

Ní neart go cur le chéile

Follow their reporting here

Their reports are set to appear on www.youthmediaeurope.com with select material appearing on www.rte.ie.