MEPs in the European Parliament want to give free inter-rail passes to young Europeans to boost their enthusiasm for Europe.They’re suggesting eighteen (18)-year olds should be given a free return inter-rail pass so that they can travel around Europe and enjoy themselves.  The idea was first mooted a couple of weeks ago by Manfred Weber, the leader of the European Parliament’s main politicalgroup – the EPP [European People’s Party].  The Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes, who’s in the same group, says such a move would help counter all of the negative news coming from the EU at the moment.

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Every 18 year old should be given a free return inter-rail pass so that they can travel around Europe and enjoy being European.That’s an idea being promoted by the European Parliament. Last night MEPs debated how they could bring this initiative about. They believe giving free inter-rail tickets to 18 year olds as a birthday present will help to counter all the bad news coming from the EU at the moment. The Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes supports the move.

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The Sinn Fein MEP Lynn Boylan is accusing the Irish government of not taking a stronger stance to secure the release of Ibrahim Halawa. The young Irishman has been imprisoned in Egypt since 2013. Anapplication for his release was submitted by his lawyers under the Egyptian presidential decree, law 140. This allows foreign defendants to be sent back to their country of origin before sentencing. However Ms Boylan says more forceful engagement is needed behind the scenes between the Irish government and their Egyptian counterparts.

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