The Independent MEP Marian Harkin has
responded to criticisms that EU policies are to blame for some flood damage.
Critics have said that the EU Habitats Directive prevented some dredging and
draining of rivers in Ireland. However, Ms Harkin says the European Commission does not
want its legislation to get in the way of flood prevention measures. 

Out words: are needed

Dur: 00:37 

EU regional funds could be used to help
build flood defences. That’s according to the Independent MEP Marian Harkin.
She says she got reassurances from the previous EU Commissioner for Regional
policy that Ireland could use EU regional funds to build flood barriers. Ms
Harkin is calling on the Government to establish an overall body responsible
for flood prevention to ensure places like the Shannon region don’t suffer from
the kind of flood damage they have endured recently. 

Out words: the Shannon

Dur: 00:29 

Former workers of Bose could have benefited
from EU assistance if the Department of Skills, Research and Innovation had
applied for EU help. That’s according to the Independent MEP Marian Harkin. The
Midlands North-West MEP says the Bose workers, who were made redundant last May
following the outsourcing of their work to other countries, would have been
entitled to EU help from the EU’s Globalisation Adjustment Fund. But Ms Harkin
says the Department and its Minister Damien English wrongly decided not to
apply for funds from the EGAF scheme.

Out words: anybody else

Dur: 
00:31