Nina CARBERRY

Policy topics Nina CARBERRY is active on

What Nina CARBERRY has said (42)

• 2026-01-13 “P-000088/2026 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission On 26 January 2025, the Commission initiated a new formal investigation 1 against the provider of X under the Digital Services Act (DSA) 2 , which will assess whether the company properly assessed and mitigated risks associated with the deployment of Grok’s functionalities into X in the EU prior to that deployment. This includes assessing and mitigating risks related to the dissemination of illegal content in the EU, such as manipulated sexually explicit images, including content that may amount to child sexual abuse material. The investigation was launched following the Commission’s suspicions that Grok is being used to generate and disseminate illegal content, in particular, manipulated, sexually explicit images, including of children, as corroborated by independent public reports. Should the Commission conclude that provider has infringed its obligations under the DSA, it can adopt a fine of up to 6% of its total worldwide annual turnover and order that provider to cease the infringement, including the adoption of an action plan setting out the measures the provider will adopt to comply with those obligations. 1 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_26_203. 2 Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 October 2022 on a Single Market for Digital Services and amending Directive 2000/31/EC (Digital Services Act), OJ L 277, 27.10.2022, p. 1–102.”
  Transparency and oversight of AI-generated content · Digital platforms liability for harmful and illegal content
• 2025-09-24 “E-003704/2025 Answer given by Mr Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission The Commission acknowledges the significance of data related to the horse sector for a deeper understanding of this industry and its importance in policy development. The breeding and raising of horses, donkeys, mules, and hinnies are classified under code A.01.43 of the Statistical Classification of Economic Activities in the European Union (NACE Rev. 2.1) 1 and are included in the definition of an agricultural holding according to Regulation (EU) 2018/1091 2 . However, support activities such as stud services, animal boarding, and care, as well as the rental of animals and operation of riding stables, are excluded from this definition. This distinction highlights that only a portion of the European Equidae population can be surveyed through the integrated farm statistics under the current legal framework. The Commission is working on a proposal to amend Regulation (EU) 2018/1091. As part of this initiative, stakeholders will be invited to share their views with the aim to strike a balance between new information needs and limiting the administrative burden on respondents. 1 Regulation (EC) No 1893/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 establishing the statistical classification of economic activities NACE Revision 2 and amending Council Regulation (EEC) No 3037/90 as well as certain EC Regulations on specific statistical domains (OJ L 393, 30.12.2006, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2006/1893/oj), as subsequently amended and supplemented. 2 Regulation (EU) 2018/1091 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 July 2018 on integrated farm statistics and repealing Regulations (EC) No 1166/2008 and (EU) No 1337/2011 (OJ L 200, 7.8.2018, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2018/1091/oj).”
  Agricultural funding
• “Triple electrification and add 750 new electric and battery electric carriages. We were also briefed by Senan Moynihan in on the rail project, which will reconnect the town to Dublin City. Beyond infrastructure, we saw how transport and tourism policy can drive regional growth. Discover Boyne Valley Tourism presented its 2030 strategy linking heritage greenways and tourism, a fantastic example of how EU cohesion funding can promote sustainable mobility and local development. And the visit concluded at the Hill of Tower, one of Ireland's amazing heritage sites. A special thanks to the team at Meade County Council for their excellent organization and support throughout the program. Finally, at Rosslare Europort we saw a port transformed. Eu EU CEO Glencar described how Rosslare has become a model of Ten-t connectivity, now a key EU gateway for renewable energy and post-Brexit trade. Thanks to all who attended and including my fellow Irish colleague who also showed us the best of what counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford had to offer. And I would like to thank all the staff and Secretariat who helped out in the mission, to thank you very much.”
  EU support of rail transport
• “Thank you. Chair. And as discussed many times, the Eu-us trading relationship is the world's largest and most economically significant. Significant. It is vital for jobs and growth and investment. And without a deal, we would be in a far worse position. And I want to thank the commission for securing this. That said, some details remain limited. While the baseline tariff is 15%. The US committed last month to zero or near zero tariffs on certain strategic sectors aircraft and aircraft parts, generic pharmaceuticals and other goods. So could you clarify what near zero tariffs actually means in hard numbers? And secondly, the agreement won't be final until signed and issues still could arise. And the EU Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act are had so far remained unaffected but now appear in Donald Trump's crosshairs. How do you plan to respond? From my perspective. Our digital rules are there to protect users, particularly children, and that that should be a red line to the commission. And finally, some sectors, including spirits, have not received an exemption. Do you foresee any further leeway on this in the coming months? Thank you.”
  EU-US trade relations
• “Thank you president. Europe's long term budget should be a reflection of our EU priorities. And today our farmers and food security must be at the top of that list. Farmers are being asked to deliver on climate action, food production and improving animal welfare conditions. They lead on the green transition, yet face rising costs and the threat of a shrinking budget. Any cut to agricultural funding would be out of touch with our economic, geopolitical and climate reality. I welcome Monday's MFF revisions and the introduction of a rural target. But this is only the beginning. We need stronger commitments, further legal certainty and guarantees that cap and cohesion will not be diluted. We need answers from the Commission. So will the minimum 10% allocation for rural development be ring fenced for agriculture and the Commission open to further increasing this base? And will the 5% earmark for leader funding remain? Thank you Commissioner.”
  Agricultural funding
• “Thank you. Chair. Free and open trade is crucial for both Ireland and Europe. But I want to again raise my concerns on the Mercosur trade agreement around traceability and the need for a level playing field for our farmers and food producers. A recent Eurobarometer survey highlights the fact that 88% of Europeans agree that agricultural imports of any origin should only enter the EU if their production has complied with EU environmental, animal welfare and labour standards. This shows that Europeans, as consumers, value the work we do here to protect high standards and ensure traceability and sustainability. One of the greatest strengths of the European Union is its high standards in traceability and food security. We have a duty to ensure that all products coming into the EU meet these standards. Irish farmers are proud of their product and are committed to upholding high Holding high standards, but also expect to be on a level playing field with their competition. Thank you.”
  Trade relations with Mercosur
• “Thank you, Madam President. I just want to thank all the colleagues for your contributions and thank the Commissioner for his remarks as well, and welcoming the broad agreement that we have heard across political groups today. There is a strong recognition that the TCA is functioning well, and we have an opportunity to build on the foundations, whether that be in agri food, energy or people to people links. Many of you highlighted the importance of the Windsor framework and indeed the Good Friday Agreement and the role of safeguarding citizens rights and I could not agree with you more. As many colleagues also noted, Russia's war against Ukraine has further strengthened the Eu-uk relationship and reminded us of our many shared objectives in an increasingly unpredictable global trading and security environment. When I was glad that the Commissioner has mentioned and addressed the question on Cbam, because it is hugely important that we get clarity on this and I hope that the commission can deal with that urgently. So looking ahead, delivery on implementation of the outcomes of the recent summit and the objective of agreed that were agreed in May must be our priority and the PPA must continue to be an important vehicle for discussion between MEPs and members of the House of Lords and Commons. So finally, as I said earlier, the European Parliament will play its full role in holding the Commission to account as this work moves forward. Thank you very much for all your contributions.”
  Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
• “Thank you. Madam president, today we are discussing strengthening the role of farmers in the food supply chain and unfair trading practices in Europe. This is the first ever directive to specifically improve the protection and status of farmers and primary producers, and it is to be welcomed. It's a particularly important step as we begin discussions on the Common Agricultural Policy. But if we are trying to strengthen the role of farmers, suppliers and consumers, we also need to take a closer look at our food labelling. We have seen several recent cases where products branded as coming from one country on European supermarket shelves are in fact grown elsewhere. Now, don't get me wrong, it is a huge advantage that we can buy and sell our products all over the world and it keeps businesses going. But we must tighten up on misleading labelling. Eu food rules are very clear. Food labelling must be accurate and clear, so I would urge the Commission to step up their enforcement of our current food safety labelling rules. Thank you.”
  EU policy on country of origin food labelling
• “Thank you, Madam President. Flight delays, cancellations, ruin plans. Many of us have been there, but thanks to EU wide legislation, we have strong air passenger rights in place to deal with these circumstances. Despite the fact that there has been much stalemate in this area over the past ten years. Some of the recent moves by the council earlier this month are to be welcomed. Creating simpler and clearer rules, especially reducing time delays and allowing people to claim their compensation and reducing complex red tape in the is a step in the right direction. Passengers should not have to wait for many months or even years to hear back from an airline on legitimate claim for compensation. Airlines should comply with stricter information obligations, especially regarding the handling of complaints and requests. And so the move to require pre-filled compensation forms for cancelled flights is very welcome. However, the existing reimbursement rules, which have been standard for many years now, should remain in place. And so, in line with previous European Parliament positions, any move to significantly water down existing passenger rights will be opposed in this Parliament. We have now revised the Air Passenger rules for 20 years now, and while it is high time to do so, I believe we must find a balanced solution to these challenges. Working with airlines. But it cannot come at the expense of consumer protection. Thank you.”
  EU policy on aviation safety
• “Thank you, chair. Fleet electrification is a positive opportunity, but we need to bridge the gap between policy and reality. In Ireland, 51% of oversea tourists visiting regional areas use rental cars, and 83% of those rental starts at Dublin Airport. Yet, Dublin Airport currently has no operational EV charging infrastructure for rental fleets despite most of those vehicles being concentrated in airport car parks. More broadly, charging infrastructure across Ireland simply is not where it needs to be. Whether in rural communities, tourism hotspots, or around Dublin Airport itself, the network is not yet capable of supporting a rapid transition. We also face challenges around grid capacity, residual values, the cost of ownership for fleet operators. Climate ambition must go hand in hand with competitiveness rather than imposing rigid quotas. We should focus on enabling conditions, investing in charging infrastructure, strengthening grid capacity, and maintaining transitional supports for fleet renewal. If we get the infrastructure right, businesses will make the transition. If we don't, the costs will simply be passed on to consumers, tourists and small businesses.”
  Corporate fleet electrification: binding zero-emission quotas vs. voluntary approach · EV charging infrastructure
• “Thank you. Thank you. Chair. I want to start by welcoming the proposed increase in funding for the Connecting Europe facility. It reflects the scale of the challenge we face, but for Ireland and for Ireland member states, it member states in particular. Connectivity cannot be taken for granted. You can't take a train from Brussels to Dublin, and there's no motorway linking Kildare to Amsterdam for our connection to Europe. We rely on ships and planes and routes that pass through the United Kingdom. That cross-border reality must be recognised in the design of the next step. Ireland also sits at a strategic point between Europe and the United States. We are a hope for transatlantic data and energy flows. That means investing in subsea cables, interconnection and resilient infrastructure and support for our ports, including Dublin and Cork, Have has shown the value of theft in the past and we now need to see that ambition for Galway and the east coast of Ireland and climate change is already reshaping our coasts. Storm storm damage in Sligo and flooding in Donegal. If Sif is about resilience, then climate protection must be part of it too, and I look forward to working with the rapporteurs in progressing of this file. Thank you.”
  EU funding for transportation
• “Thank you, Commissioner, for coming and having this this very important discussion on Mercosur today. I also want to thank you for your first engagement with the Irish farmers with the IFA have been informed that they have received their letter, but I would go a step further and say that I would ask you to meet them in person. I think it is very important to keep the communication going on this serious issue. It is essential that all stakeholders, particularly farmers, are fully informed about every aspect of this trade agreement. However, I remain deeply concerned about Mercosur and the implications on our farmers. Irish farmers have invested heavily in sustainability, striving to meet increasingly ambitious targets. Yet significant, significant uncertainty lingers to whether we are undermining our own producers through this agreement. My key question. Given the limited clarity surrounding the application of safeguard measures, particularly in relation to quota of prime prime beef cuts, the uncertainties regarding the level playing field of biodiversity protection and the enforcement of strict veterinary medicine regulations. What further steps can the Commission take to address these specific concerns? Thank you.”
  Trade relations with Mercosur
• “Thank you, Madam President. Imagine a child too frightened to walk into their classroom, too frightened to face someone abusing them online. Around 1 in 4 young people in Ireland experience it. And it goes beyond bullying. Last year, 1.2 million children across 11 countries reported being targeted by deepfake sexual abuse. These numbers are horrifying. And just this week, European police raised serious concerns about a growing online network. The calm encouraging children as young as seven and eight to self-harm and to harm others. Clear action is needed urgently in Ireland. Jackie Fox has led the way after her daughter Nicole died by suicide following sustained online bullying. Jackie turned unimaginable grief into action. Her campaign led to Coco's law criminalizing severe online abuse and sharing the intimate sharing of intimate images without consent. That same protection must now be extended across the entire EU. So, Commissioner, just as Jackie showed the determination in Ireland, Europe must now show the same resolve now. Thank you.”
  Safety features & content control for child protection online
• “Thank you, chair. And thank you to the Court of Auditors for the report. The report confirms what the Parliament has already been warning for the last couple of months. Moving towards one single national EU spending plan per country raises serious concerns. The court warns that bundling agriculture, cohesion, migration and security into one single plan risks greater complexity, weaker accountability and political trade offs between priorities, with proposed 20% cut to the cap. It is deeply worrying that 45 billion of so-called flexibility could be frontloaded, reportedly in the context of the EU Mercosur agreement before the MFF is even agreed. So how can flexibility be called flexibility if it is used in advance. And does this not risk undermining Parliament's role as a budgetary authority? Could the court elaborate on this point, please? And on programmes like leader, what binding mechanism will ensure that Leader does not become a box ticking, ticking exercise, rather than a real tool for community led local development? And regarding the proposed 10% rural target. How will the target be defined, measured and enforced in practice, and what monitoring mechanisms will be in place and what consequences will follow if Member States fail to meet it? Perhaps the Commission could clarify their ideas here. The court's message is clear in this report. So what concrete adjustments in the Commission is the Commission prepared to make to ensure that this budget architecture is genuinely fit for purpose?”
  Agricultural funding
• “I want to congratulate Mr. Zaleski and all the rapporteurs for their hard work on this. Last year, 20,000 Irish students took part in Erasmus+, gaining invaluable experience across Europe. Erasmus+ is more than a programme. It drives competitiveness, employability, innovation and resilience. And while connecting young people to Europe. That is why I was deeply disappointed to see the council propose cuts to the EU budget for Erasmus+. Young people must not pay the price for repaying next generation EU. We have to. We have come together in this Parliament to propose an increase of 5 million for Erasmus+ in next year's budget, to make Erasmus+ accessible for all, and as we plan the next framework, we must focus more on skills training and apprenticeships. We need to do more to increase to ensure Erasmus+ reaches beyond universities. We will better prepare the next generation by doing so. Thank you.”
  Public funding for education
• “Since 2020, more than €8.6 million worth of nitrous oxide or laughing gas, as it's more commonly known, has been seized entering Ireland. Walk through any park or down any side street, even along our main roads, and you will see the evidence discarded silver bullets and whippets littering the ground. This is not harmless fun. Across the EU, member states are reporting rising poisoning and even deaths linked to its misuse. Medical evidence now links the use of laughing gas to spinal cord damage. And yet nitrous oxide can still move freely across the EU single market. That is why I am calling on the Commission to recognise nitrous oxide as an emerging drug of concern. It should be brought into the EU early warning system so we can monitor misuse before more harm is done. We should also accelerate its classification under the CLP regulation as a toxic substance. The evidence is there. Waiting until 2027 is simply too slow. And also, we must enforce the Digital Services Act to tackle the online sale of nitrous oxide, where the children are clearly being targeted. Europe must move towards a common licensing framework to control supply. Also protect legitimate uses and prevent abuse. I welcome Commissioner. What you said that this is an EU wide issue and requires an EU wide approach. Let's make that happen. Thank you.”
  Regulation of drug precursors in the EU
• “Thank you. Chair. As Darius, who did an excellent job as head of delegation, mentioned, our recent Transport and Tourism Committee mission to Ireland was a great success. It is vital that we connect our work here in Brussels with the people and businesses we represent at home. Our visit was an excellent example of that and I want to touch on a few personal highlights. I'll start by mentioning the plans for Primor. Port is a project with great potential to strengthen Ireland's core Ten-t network. It aims to become the country's first dedicated energy port, designed for offshore wind assembly and green hydrogen production on our East coast. It was a pleasure to meet CEO Paul Fleming and his team With Dublin Port expected to reach capacity by 2040, Bremer will be essential for Ireland's future connectivity and freight capacity on sustainable aviation fuel. We heard from Doctor Stephen Dooley of Trinity College Dublin, who shared his team's EU focused research on sustainable aviation fuels. Rail was another key focus. Jim Meade, outgoing CEO of Irish Rail, represented plans for a network that aims to serve 1 million passengers each week in the coming years. The project will be one of the largest in Ireland's history and will double capacity.”
  EU support of rail transport
• “Thank you chair. Thank you. Commissioner, I want to start by welcoming your commitment to finding a negotiated solution with the US. My stance on tariffs is clear they are attacks that will severely disrupt long standing mutual beneficial transatlantic supply chains. Irish whiskey exports to the US are worth $450 million annually. A 50% tariff, never mind one at 200%, would simply be devastating. During my recent visit to Drumshambo Distillery in County Leitrim, I witnessed firsthand the potential consequences as a major employer of rural Ireland and with over 35% of its exports going to the US. Half the jobs there are at risk. Given this, I want to directly ask you, as you mentioned previously, that the first list will be coming out of a freezer and is out of date by five years. I just want to hone in on bourbon. Specifically, given the limited advantages of targeting bourbon directly compared to the backlash that we would what that would be caused if entered into force. I would greatly welcome your openness to looking again at this list. Thank you.”
  EU-US trade relations
• “Thank you. Chair. The former review of the EU Israel Association Agreement confirms that what we already know, Israel is in blatant violation of human rights obligations in Gaza, amounting to devastating consequences for the civilian population. It has been more than 16 months since Ireland first called for review, and while it has taken far too long to materialise, we must now focus on practical, concrete steps to suspend trade with Israel. The EU stands at a crossroads and our credibility on the international stage will be called into question if we fail to show action and leadership. The review is clear. So as one of the world's most significant trading blocs and Israel's largest trading partner. We must act. I want to finish by asking the commission. What timeline do you foresee? The next steps are. Following this damning review, and what specific and concrete actions are you now planning on bringing forward to the council? Thank you.”
  Relations with Israel - Palestine
• “Thank you. President. Commissioner. This week we mark Safer Internet Day to coincide with the new EU action Plan against cyberbullying. But for many families across Ireland and the EU, the internet feels like a minefield. 1 in 6 of our teenagers has been cyberbullied. 1 in 8 admits to taking part in bullying. These numbers are staggering, but the game has changed. We now seeing the rise of AI, deepfakes and the tools that can generate sexualised and nude images. The recent controversy surrounding Grock shows exactly how real this threat is. It is welcome to see the commission launch an investigation, but we must not delay on following through with tough action. Article 70 of the Digital Services Act allows for platforms to be temporarily suspended when there is a serious risk of EU law being breached. Article five of the AI act also provides us with a clear legal basis to ban AI notifiers. We have the tools, but we must be willing to use them because when technology moves at the speed of light, the EU cannot act at a snail's pace. And cyberbullying specifically, we need a clear EU definition to to give children the same legal protection across all EU countries. We cannot have a fragmented approach. I look forward to working with you and continuing this work in Parliament over the months ahead. Thank you.”
  Safety features & content control for child protection online
• “President, Commissioner. Minister, global Trade is running low on much needed certainty. And while we can afford some breathing room until August 1st. The need for a clear framework and comprehensive trade agreement with the United States looms large. Ireland's stance remains unchanged. We have constantly called for zero for zero tariffs. Businesses require predictability and stability, from SMEs and Connemara to multinationals along our urban commuter belts. In fact, uncertainty itself may be the highest cost because when businesses hesitate, investment slows. So while we support you fully, Commissioner and your team, to get the best outcome, I want to again reiterate the focus that we must also move beyond the United States. We need to remove the many barriers that still exist within our own EU single market, and simplifying the rules that govern it. We can unlock more trade across Europe. Our economies, jobs and people depend on it. Thank you.”
  EU-US trade relations
• “Sir. Thank you, Madam President. Let me start by saying that the current MFF proposal undermines cohesion policy. Cohesion must remain properly funded and accessible, not merged with Cap infrastructure and other priorities by centralising management through single national plans. This proposal sidelines regional programs and risks silencing the voices closest to citizens in Ireland. I recently visited the Leash Public Partnership Network. Their partnership now has over 700 registered groups representing more than 51,000 people. They've used cohesion funds to launch climate projects, help with storm recovery and kick start sports initiatives. These precisely these are precisely the kinds of initiatives that that would be threatened by this merger. That is why the Just Transition Fund and other mechanisms must remain dedicated instruments under cohesion policy. Their scope must be broadened so that more regions in transition can benefit, because cohesion is about people and solidarity. It must not be watered down. Thank you.”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• “Thank you chair. And thank you to the Commissioner for all the hard work you've done on this. Yesterday marked an historic moment, the first ever EU UK summit since Brexit. And I want to begin by welcoming the progress made. This is a new chapter in our unique relationship, and I commend the Commission and the UK government for what is a wide ranging and ambitious agreement. The conclusion of a security and defence partnership is a vital step forward, one that reinforces our joint commitment to peace, stability and the protection of our citizens in trade, particularly in the agri food sector. We have a long needed clarity and predictability. The commitment to a common SPS area for plant and animal rules is extremely welcome, especially for Irish farmers and food producers who have felt a deep disruption of Brexit. These measures, alongside the Windsor framework, offer real benefits to Northern Ireland and, importantly, preserve its dual access to both the EU single market and the UK internal market. I also welcome the renewed focus on young people with the inclusion of Erasmus+ and plans for a Youth Experience scheme. Energy cooperation and the exploration of UK participation in the EU electricity market will also help ensure stability, reduce costs and drive investment, especially in renewables from the North Sea. Linking our emissions trading system is another strong signal of our shared commitment to tackling climate change.”
  EU-UK relations
• “Thank you chair. I'd just like to build on what several colleagues have said. It's long overdue that the Parliament takes this next step into trilogues that we can finally begin. We've been clear that on passenger rights, on compensation, those thresholds on protections must not be weakened. And after a three hour delay, passengers should have a clear option whether they get refunded or rerouted. This should not be increased to 4 or 6 hour delay. And it's only right that families can sit together. Our parents should not be able, should, should be able to sit beside their child free of charge. And the trial logs won't be easy. But we are making progress, and I just want to thank Andre for all his work and all the shadow rapporteurs as well. Thank you.”
  EU policy on aviation safety
• “Thank you, chair. And thank you to the Court of Auditors for the report. The report confirms what the Parliament has already been warning for the last couple of months. Moving towards one single national EU spending plan per country raises serious concerns. The court warns that bundling agriculture, cohesion, migration and security into one single plan risks greater complexity, weaker accountability and political trade offs between priorities, with proposed 20% cut to the cap. It is deeply worrying that 45 billion of so-called flexibility could be frontloaded, reportedly in the context of the EU Mercosur agreement before the MFF is even agreed. So how can flexibility be called flexibility if it is used in advance. And does this not risk undermining Parliament's role as a budgetary authority? Could the court elaborate on this point, please? And on programmes like leader, what binding mechanism will ensure that Leader does not become a box ticking, ticking exercise, rather than a real tool for community led local development? And regarding the proposed 10% rural target. How will the target be defined, measured and enforced in practice, and what monitoring mechanisms will be in place and what consequences will follow if Member States fail to meet it? Perhaps the Commission could clarify their ideas here. The court's message is clear in this report. So what concrete adjustments in the Commission is the Commission prepared to make to ensure that this budget architecture is genuinely fit for purpose?”
  Accounting and auditing of EU budget
• “Thank thank you. President. Commissioner, if you're fighting a war, you don't cut your defense budget if you're battling wildfires and drought. You do not slash your resilience or preparedness funds. And if you are serious about building a sustainable, secure food system, one that pays farmers fairly and protects rural life, you should not cut the Common Agricultural Policy. Yes, the cap puts food on our tables, but it does so much more. Farmers are the guardians of our land. They are the first hit by climate change. They remain the foundation of our food security. The cap is not a budget line. It is a lifeline. It funds greener, smarter practices. It keeps families on their farms across generations. As I have said many times before, here, we need a ring fenced cap. We need an increased cap. And if we must invest in our young farmers. Because without them, without the next generation, there is no future.”
  Agricultural funding
• “To strengthen our economy, we must start with smarter regulation. With much global uncertainty, completing and fully leveraging our single market, the largest in the world must follow suit. Removing barriers will strengthen resilience, attract investment, and create jobs. A union of skills will be central to this effort. Prioritising lifelong learning, Stem education and upskilling is essential to driving growth and innovation. But ambition requires action. Real financing to transform plans into reality. And simplification must go beyond business. I welcome the Commission's commitment to bring forward a substantial simplification package for farmers. We must align this to the Common Agricultural Policy to ensure that as spending demands rise, food security remains a cornerstone of EU policy. In short, simplify our rules, invest in our people and complete the single market. Thank you.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• “Thank you, Madam President, and thank you to the rapporteur for his great work on this file. The directive on combating child sexual abuse is a welcome move in shielding our children in both online and offline spheres. As we know, the internet has shaped our world in so many positive ways. But it has also opened up terrifying avenues for our children. I want to use my time to focus on two key risks one. How easy it is for minors to gain access to explicit content online, and two, the current ease for abusers to hide behind fake profiles. It is troubling to see how easily children can bypass age checks online, a click of a checkbox with false date of birth, and suddenly they have access to harmful, harmful content. The Commission must bring forward robust and mandatory age and identity verification checks to combat this, and the same goes for those hiding behind fake profiles. It makes detection, prevention, and prosecution an uphill battle for authorities. Europe must keep up the pace. Thank you.”
  Safety features & content control for child protection online
• “Thank you. Chair. Today's discussion comes at a critical moment to look at the role of the Internet Governance Forum as reports emerge that meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, may have actively suppressed internal research on child safety. Unfortunately, we know that more and more children are being groomed and exploited on the internet. It is a crisis that demands our full attention and it starts with proper age verification tools. I have taken part on countless discussions on online safety, but the insights that stay with me most often come from home. Seeing firsthand how my two daughters engage with technology, the constant worry of age, inappropriate material reaching their screens, the threats are there, they are real, and they are having massive effect on our young people. The fight to protect children online is one that involves all of us policymakers, tech companies, teachers and families. As technology continues to evolve, we must just as fast. We must move just as fast and to put in place child centred, EU wide laws that offer real protection. The time for talking is over. The time to act is now.”
  Safety features & content control for child protection online
• “Madam president. Commissioner, this plan will be judged by one test. Will it lower fertilizer costs and secure availability for farmers? The geopolitical crisis in the Middle East has put our gas on fertiliser dependence into the spotlight once again. And while it may not be the defining crisis in agriculture today or tomorrow, plans for 2027 could be put into major jeopardy if fertiliser prices do not come down and supply is further disrupted. But perhaps the bigger elephant in the room is the looming carbon tax. This is something entirely within the commission's control, waiting until the end of this year to assess the impact of cbam on agricultural commodity prices will be too late, so flexibility on state aid emergency measures boosting domestic production are all very welcome. But this is. But would the Commission be open to suspending Cbam if and when this crisis deepens? And we need commitment and long term financing because simply making advance payments while cutting the next cap will not work. Thank you.”
  Use of fertilisers
• “For thank you. And thank you to speakers for joining us today and for your presentations in the proposal. The Commission has moved away from traditional payments structure, as you have both mentioned, dramatically reducing the traditional ring fencing for specific rural Development measures by removing the strict ring fencing of pillar two for schemes like lidar for farm modernisation and replacing it with a 10% rural target in NPS. The commission has gained flexibility but lost accountability. Can you speak a little more about, and in your opinion, how enforceable this 10% rural target actually is? Um, can we realistically track this spending across member states? And lastly, on the actual size of the cap, how do you see the NP structure working across Ireland and our particularly our Ireland, particularly exposed to reduced funding because of our high cap dependency but limited spare funding? Our farmers depend on car payments. They shouldn't have to compete with funding for housing, legal affairs or infrastructure across department influence is very concerning. Thank you.”
  Agricultural funding
• “Thank you, Madam President. Commissioner. More and more cars coming into Europe from China and the United States and elsewhere are being sold without FM radio. I first raised this last November and with colleagues from the Transport Committee, and I have since written to the Commission. I am raising it again today because car radios are not properly covered in the Digital Networks Act, and that matters in Ireland. 40% of local radio listening happens in the car. Radio was free and it's reliable and it doesn't depend on mobile networks or broadband. During Storm Eoin, over 700,000 people lost power and in moments like that, radio becomes a lifeline. When the power goes out, the radio stays on. And at a time when misinformation online is everywhere, trusted radio matters more than ever. So I am calling on the commission during negotiations on the Digital Networks Act to accept amendments from myself and colleagues. Every car made or imported into the EU must include a built in FM radio. Thank you.”
  EU support for traditional (non-digital) media
• “Commissioner, over 60% of EU companies today identify excessive regulation as a significant barrier to investment, and 55% of SMEs cite regulatory and administrative burdens as their main challenge in the current geopolitical climate, marked by concerns over tariffs, trade tensions and the spectre of Donald Trump. Simplification in EU rules has never been more crucial. The commissioner's latest simplification package could save our companies 6.3 billion in administrative costs. However, as we streamline, we must maintain regulatory certainty and clarity. I welcome proposals to revise the scope of the CSD, reducing heavy burdens on SMEs and enabling them to prioritise innovation. Yet simplification cannot compromise our climate commitments. With clear climate targets for 2030 and beyond, the fundamental course of direction is not changing and so regulatory adjustments must reinforce, not weaken our green objectives. In this context, I have two questions for the Commission. Firstly, will the upcoming agricultural simplification as will be. Will it be as ambitious as those in the first omnibus proposal? And can you provide more detail here please? And secondly, in the context of the EU, UK reset, could you clarify how simplifications within the Cbam may affect alignment with the UK's ETS? Thank you.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• “Sorry. Thank you. Chair. Commissioner, I welcome the proposal for the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan, a crucial roadmap for long term investment, decarbonisation and connectivity. Like my colleagues have already raised, concerns over the European Port Strategy and the Industrial Maritime Strategy are not explicitly referenced in the work programme. Can you therefore clarify their concrete focus and their key objectives, please. And as a maritime nation like your own. Ireland's ports are vital lifelines in the EU single market. Our competitiveness and connectivity depend on secure, well funded maritime and. And indeed aviation infrastructure. Ten-t and CEF funding has been instrumental. But continued investment is essential. Finally, on the strategy for sustainable tourism that you mentioned. Given its economic and cultural significance, stakeholders need clarity on the Commission's policy direction. Can you therefore outline the central priorities in more detail? Please. Thank you.”
  EU funding for transportation
• “Madam president. Commissioner. The Trans-European Transport Network has gone a long way to connecting the heart of Europe to its peripheries, be it Ireland, Malta, Cyprus or Greece. But this backbone of European connectivity is a project that is not yet complete. We often talk about the single market for free movement of goods, services and people, but the single market for transport remains an unfinished patchwork. As we continue to work on the implementation of the Ten-t corridors, we must also keep in mind those peripheral regions as well as rural transport. And so an integrated single transport market must work for all Europeans, urban and rural alike. That is why I welcome the focus in your mission letter, Commissioner, on the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan. And what we need now is clear set of guidelines and principles to help us work towards decarbonisation of our transport networks, be it rail, road, sea or air. In Ireland, I want to note the major progress is under way and plans are in the works from Navan Rail line to Dart, plus expansion to investments in sustainable aviation fuel hubs at Dublin Airport. And so my final message to you is to push for strengthened Connecting Europe facility within the next MFF to ensure that Europe puts its money where its mouth is, to decarbonise more quickly and to enhance connectivity. Thank you.”
  EU transport infrastructure integration
• “Thank you. Chair Ireland understands the value of free trade as a small open economy, exporting 90% of our agri food produce. We rely on it, us. But we enter free trade agreements on the condition of a level playing field. And as it stands, the Mercosur agreement does not provide that. It risks undermining EU food safety standards and Irish farm incomes. Reports just yesterday confirmed that that the Commission have recalled Brazilian beef products imported into the EU market. This again illustrates why proposed safeguard mechanism we are talking about falls short. It is entirely reactive and fails to address two fundamental issues the use of hormones in beef and over-the-counter antibiotics. And yesterday's report on hormones was not the first in 2020 for an EU audit. Also uncovered major failings in Brazil's enforcement of even the most basic hormone control measures. And in recent days, the Irish Farmers Journal investigation found antibiotics banned in Europe openly sold over the counter in Brazil without prescription. So that is why I have tabled amendments. And what we need is not just safeguards after the damage is done, but a level playing field and full traceability backed by proper oversight. Because at present farmers are not just being asked to play without goalposts, they're being asked to play on a pitch without lines and a referee that only shows up basically when the foul has been committed. So I don't think this is good enough, to be honest. Thank you.”
  Trade relations with Mercosur
• “Thank you. Thank you, Commissioner, for being here today. You won't be surprised to hear some frustration across Parliament today. We support simplifying the budget and making it easier to draw down funding, particularly in agriculture. And we we need a standalone cap on cohesion funds with protected envelopes. We need stronger guarantees for proper parliamentary oversight. So I have two questions for you, Commissioner, today. Could you elaborate on how the Commission is ensuring that lessons learned from RF are systematically integrated into the new framework, and how and what role will national and regional authorities play in setting targets and reporting on performance? Thank you.”
  Conditions to access EU budget
• “Thank you, Madam President. Children and teenagers spend an average of 4 to 5 hours per day on social media. Cyber bullying, pornography, self-harm, addictive algorithms and infinite scroll. All available in just one swipe. And all it takes is for a young person to take a box saying, yes, I'm 13 and they have an instant access to adult content. Social media companies have failed to self-regulate. This is where the EU needs to step in. We need to build on the work of the Digital Services Act and make an online age verification mandatory for accessing social media platforms. There are too many loopholes in the current system, and today's report goes a long way in identifying the outstanding issues. But now let us be clear. Our next step must be action. Looking ahead to the Digital Fairness Act, we have a massive opportunity in this mandate to make the internet a safer place for our children. It is time to close the remaining gaps. Thank you.”
  Safety features & content control for child protection online
• “Thank you. Chair. Um, as a report shows, the outcome the United States pushed the EU to accept this summer is not balanced, reciprocal or fair. It is also regrettable that the European Parliament was not involved in the talks before the meeting in Scotland in July. Still, things could have been a lot worse. The commission managed to limit tariffs in several areas and the carve outs for aircraft, aircraft parts and generic medicines are welcome. We should continue to to to working toward further carve outs, including for spirits. However, I'm concerned that we have no impact assessment of these tariff changes and we still do not know what will come next. The term the Trump administration criticism of many EU rules, from food to animal health standards to digital services and social media regulation, is worrying. The Commission must ensure that our standards are not used as bargaining chips. Whether we are protecting children online or keeping high food standards, we must be ready to defend them. So let me finish with two points. We need strong safeguard mechanisms. We need regular monitoring updates from the Commission on Tariff Developments and market effects as we move forward. Thank you.”
  EU-US trade relations
• “Thank you. Chair. I'm replacing EPP shadow, Miss Zovko, and she's prepared the following remarks on this. This report comes at a crucial moment for transatlantic relations, and it is essential that our negotiations advance swiftly. More than three months have passed since the joint statement, and we must now move forward quickly to preserve the positive momentum and the good spirit of that agreement. While there is broad consensus on key principles, including the need for a sunset clause, the proposed duration of 18 months is short and will not provide the stability that our industries and consumers expect. In this context, I propose to limit the regulation to a 36 month period. This would offer a more predictable and workable timeframe while keeping the temporary nature of the measure. We need robust safeguard mechanisms, but this agreement must be treated as a standalone agreement. We should resist copying provisions from previous frameworks and that do not fit the current context. Why? I welcome the efforts to ensure full WTO compatibility grounded in security considerations and future trade arrangements, consistent with article 24 of the GATT. It is also essential that this agreement includes a clear standstill commitment, ensuring that both parties refrain from introducing new tariffs or rising existing ones while the agreement is in force. This is crucial to safeguard market access, preserve tariff stability and prevent any deterioration of trade conditions during the implementation period. Given the exceptional and rapidly evolving circumstances, this regulation is rightly designed as a temporary and proportionate measure to ensure informed decision making. The Commission should be required to provide regular monitoring, updates on tariff developments and market effects. I look forward to working together to finalize this agreement as soon as possible, so that we can deliver a strong first step in our renewed transatlantic partnership and subsequently turn our attention to other passing areas, most notably the negotiations on steel and aluminium. Thank you.”
  EU-US trade relations
• “Thank you, Mr. President. Sustainable aviation and maritime fuels are one of the most important tools we have to cut transport emissions while keeping Europe moving. Sustainable fuels can reduce emissions by up to 80%. They will be essential if we are to reach climate neutrality by By 2050. But despite the progress we have made, these fuels remain too expensive and too limited in supply. That is why I want to welcome the Commission's Sustainable Transport Investment Plan, published earlier this month. It recognises the reality that the policy framework is in place. The targets exist, but the investment gap remains simply enormous. I see it as I see it. We have two missing pieces in the puzzle incentives and financing. If we want airlines, shipping operators and fuel producers to make major investments, Europe must provide stable long term conditions. That means reducing the price gap between conventional fuels and ensuring we can build up at scale. In particular, the Commission's commitment to explore a book and claim system is welcome. We need we need to incentivize and reward the early movers. Investment in infrastructure must be sped up. Otherwise, we risk falling further behind. Our competitors who, let's be realistic, are already far ahead. So while we may be flying high, we are not moving quickly enough. Thank you.”
  Decarbonisation of maritime transport · Decarbonisation of aviation sector
• “(12:23:27 – 12:24:26): Thank you, chair. I welcome the direction of the committees that are taking and their efforts to ensure a clearly identifiable and adequately funded cap within the wider NRPP structure. Strong financial traceability and robust governance for cap expenditure remain essential. However, the role of the council implementing decisions continues to raise concerns as it could delay both the adoption and amendment of cap measures. Greater clarity is needed on approval procedures to ensure that key elements, including farmer payments, are not held up by a broader NRPP process. I welcome the report's efforts to address these issues as well as the amendment securing a minimum 5% allocation to leader, strengthening the role of local and regional authorities and preventing double funding. This draft report is an important step towards parliament's position, and I thank the repertoires for their work and commend them on their swift handling of such a complex file. And I look forward to the next steps. Thank you.”
  Cohesion and rural funding