The Fine Gael MEP for Dublin Brian Hayes is hopeful that the impasse in the Northern Irish peace process can be overcome. Mr Hayes says he had positive meetings with Northern Ireland’s First Minister and DUP leader Peter Robinson and Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt. Both men visited the European Parliament to speak with political groups about the peace process. This comes as the current stalemate in the North is being debated by MEPs this week. Today they’ll vote on a resolution calling for progress. Mr Hayes says the UK and Irish governments as well as the EU must encourage all northern parties to advance the peace process.

Out words: works too

Dur: 38 seconds

MEPs called for progress in the Northern Irish peace process during a debate in the European parliament last night. Today the Parliament will vote on a resolution that includes calls for solving issues hindering the peace process, such as flags and parades. Fine Gael’s Dublin MEP Brian Hayes, says the EU, through its funding programmes, continues to demonstrate its commitment to achieving peace in the north. Mr Hayes says long term EU involvement in the North has brought about positive benefits.

Out words: Irish variety

Dur: 35 seconds

Recent announcements of changes  to the Irish corporate tax system by finance minister Micheal Noonan has led to Ireland being seen as a “first mover” in tax reform by other MEPs. That’s according to the Fine Gael MEP for Dublin, Brian Hayes. He was speaking in the European Parliament prior to a debate on allegations that Luxembourg facilitated tax avoidance schemes for big multinational companies.  However Mr Hayes says that rather than probing the tax affairs of smaller EU members, larger countries such as Germany and the UK should question their own tax schemes. 

Out words: on them

Dur: 37 seconds