The Independent MEP Marian Harkin is calling for a re-drawing of the Aran Islands Air services tender. The Government recently re-advertised the tender to provide subsidised air servicesto the Aran Islands. A previous tender was cancelled last September after complaints about certain aspects of it. But now Marian Harkin, who represents the Midlands North-West constituency, says there are also some serious problems with the new tender. 

Dur: 00:40 

The
European Parliament today voted in favour of controversial EU rules that
will enable the authorities to gather more information about passengers flying
in and out of the EU. The PNR or Passenger Name Record Directive, will oblige airlines to hand over data on their passengers to the
relevant EU authorities when requested. Those who have supported the directive
say it will help fight terrorism and serious crime. However, those against it
argued it will breach people’s privacy and lead to unnecessary data retention.
The Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly was one of the MEPs who voted for it.

Dur: 00:40

The Sinn Fein MEP Matt Carthy
is calling for a stalling of trade talks between the EU and South American
countries. Mr Carthy says the EU Commission is giving too many concessions to
the Mercosur countries on the beef trade. A number of MEPs are concerned that
the EU Trade Commissioner, Cecilia Malmstrom, is offering tariff rate quotas
for beef to the Mercosur countries. Matt Carthy argues such a concession could
force some Irish farmers out of business.

Dur: 00:37