Latest news with #MuirisO'Cearbhaill
The Journal
28-06-2025
- Business
- The Journal
EU may end up cutting services and asking Ireland for more cash to settle a €30bn Covid bill
Muiris O'Cearbhaill CUTS TO GRANT schemes and increases in the amount of money given to the EU each year by Ireland may be considered in order to pay back an annual €30bn bill which was racked up following Europe's Covid response plan. €732bn was made available to member states during the Covid-19 pandemic, aimed at protecting the European economy. The annual cost to repay that debt for the EU could reach up to €30bn every year from 2028. The figure is a fifth of the EU's current five-year budgetary plan. A new spending plan is currently being developed and will give politicians a clear picture on how member states can afford to pay the bill back. Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher, who is a member of the European Parliament's taxation committee, believes services like grant schemes may be cut and contributions from member states may be increased to raise the funds needed to repay Europe's debts. The budget plan – what's called the multiannual financial framework – is due to be announced on 16 July. Currently, the EU spends €160bn every year on schemes such as grant programmes for local authorities and infrastructure investments. The budget could be cut back in order to make more funds available to repay the debts. This could come at the cost of local community groups, who may rely on funding from European programmes to keep service hubs open or pay operating costs for community centres. Another option for the EU is to instead increase the amount that its members pay in each year. In 2023, Ireland paid €3.69bn in EU contribution fees for the annual budget . Ireland currently pays more money into the EU's budget than it receives each year . Kelleher told The Journal : 'We're going to either have to increase the budget through contributions [from member states] or find additional resources.' He added the issue will be a 'key debate' in the coming years. Advertisement It could involve tense discussions if member states, like Ireland, must foot the annual bill in order to keep services for groups that rely on the EU's funding schemes active. Asked how the debate might be settled, the Ireland South MEP said he believes the EU may 'fall a little bit between the two'. He added that there might be 'just a small' increase in contributions from member states, including Ireland. Potential increases come at a time when Ireland is experiencing significant uncertainty around the economy, with the looming threat of tariffs by US President Trump. There is a significant level of unpredictability felt in Brussels over the pending deadline. Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said that potential tariffs by the US on the Irish economy could impact the domestic budget . Analysis from the Central Bank suggests US tariffs could lead to slower economic growth and a fall in the creation of new jobs . Corporation tax receipts – a massive earner for the state - fell in May and companies in Ireland with business in the US, such as Guinness maker Diageo, are projecting the tariffs to cost them millions of euro this year . Kelleher said: 'A lot of member states who are making contributions are, financially, in very stringent times. If you look at France and Germany, for example. I mean, their two economies are really struggling.' Asked if it would be difficult to justify an increase in Irish contributions in the scenario that US tariffs have a major impact on the economy, the MEP told The Journal that the amount of contributions is based on economic growth. Current forecasts suggest, even if US tariffs have an impact on Ireland, the economy will continue to grow. Speaking in Brussels this week, justice commissioner Michael McGrath said there are no forecasts predicting any major impacts to the European economy. RRF repayments will begin in 2028 and continue into the long-term. A minimum of 37% of the funds were allocated to climate-related investments, while 20% were dedicated to the digital transition plan for member states. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Journal
26-06-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
EU has its hands tied on Israel trade suspension unless leaders find common ground
Muiris O'Cearbhaill reports from Brussels THE SUSPENSION OF trade between European countries and Israel cannot happen unless conclusive and unanimous changes are made to EU foreign policy. On Monday, it was announced that a review had found that Israel breached human rights obligations included in its trade deal with the EU with its actions in Gaza and the West Bank in Palestine. Speaking to reporters in Brussels yesterday, Justice Commissioner Michael McGrath said that the commission cannot take stronger action unless leaders at the European Council reach a consensus, which he said is not possible in the current climate. Pressure has been mounting on European leaders to take more action against Israel's war in Gaza, which has killed almost 56,000 people – mostly civilians – since October 2023, and the European Commission has been accused of inaction. A third of Israel's imports come from the EU, valued at over €23bn annually, while Europe imports less than 1% of its goods from Israel. Suspending trade ties would require a unanimous decision, which is likely impossible as countries like Austria, Germany and Hungary, that tend to more supportive of Israel's government. McGrath, referencing the council of leaders' role in setting the EU's foreign policy agenda, said: 'Ultimately, any proposal by the commission is subject to agreement from the European Council. Advertisement 'At this point in time, based on discussions of the public positions of the member states, consensus is not there in relation to action being taken, arising from the provisions of the [trade deal].' Pressure has been mounting on the EU to take action on Israel's war in Gaza, which has killed over 56,000 civilians and led to a complete siege on the region for more than two months, and has been slammed for months over its perceived inaction. Foreign ministers on Monday were criticised when they could not reach a consensus over the trade review . McGrath said the commission cannot change EU foreign policy unless given directions for government leaders and ministers from member states. 'Article 24 of the Treaty of Europe is quite clear, the primary actor in relation to foreign policy is the European Council, and it acts on the basis of unanimity,' he said. 'It isn't open for the European Commission to set any new position on Israel and Gaza.' Trade with Israel will reappear on the European agenda at the next leaders' summit in Brussels in July. In the meantime, the EU has stated to engage with Israel's government to outline the review's findings. Foreign affairs minister Simon Harris welcomed the review's findings, and Taoiseach Micheál Martin called for concrete action to be taken following its publication. Ireland was among ten member states who requested that a review take place in the context of the EU's compliance with the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice. The non-binding advisory opinion found that 'Israel's continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is unlawful and needs to be brought to an end as rapidly as possible'. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Journal
26-06-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
Seán Kelly has all but declared for the presidential election race
Muiris O'Cearbhaill reports from Brussels FINE GAEL MEP Seán Kelly has not ruled out a potential presidential bid and would like the candidacy to be contested within the party. The Kerry-based vote better said he has not made a final decision if he intends to seek his party's nomination. Kelly, the former President of the GAA who topped the poll in Ireland South last year and secured a fourth term at the European Parliament, wants there to be a hustings in Fine Gael, however. He said he has met with Fine Gael leader Simon Harris and executive John Carroll in recent weeks to discuss the election, and claims they would like to see a competition. 'Nominations have to close, I think, in a fortnight's time, and then you have to declare by 18 July. So I'll be making my mind up by then,' he said. Advertisement 'I have to think about it. It's a great honour, and somebody must do it,' he added, and laughed. Asked what is the biggest reason why he has not declared formally, Kelly insinuated he wasn't a fan of the seven-year term length. 'It's a deterrent. Seven years. I mean, it's crazy really when you look at it. Government has five years, councils have five years, MEPs have five years, Commission has five years, Trump has only four years – thank god.' He added: 'Seven is a long time. Especially when you're coming up in age.' 'One term would be more than enough. Well, Michael D [ Higgins] said the same, but then he got fond of it and wouldn't leave it.' Kelly said if Áras an Uachtaráin was located in Killarney, he would declare in the morning. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Journal
24-06-2025
- Business
- The Journal
Students and companies seeking to set up in US should 'not put all their eggs in one basket'
Muiris O'Cearbhaill reports from Brussels STUDENTS AND BUSINESSES should begin to consider what other options are available to them following changes to immigration and trade policies in the US, Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh has said. Walsh, a member of the European Parliament's delegation to the US, told a group of reporters in Brussels today that she finds a recent change to the American student visa policy worrying. Under changes announced yesterday , anyone seeking to travel to the US to study, conduct research or work in academia must provide the details of every social media account they have owned in the last five years. J1 applicants – for students and graduates who are seeking to work in the US for a fixed period – will also be required to provide their social media handles. Accounts should also be made publicly available, so officials can scrutinise visa applicants' use of social media. Reacting to the announcement yesterday, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the measures are 'excessive'. Midland North West's Walsh today suggested that it is time that more focus is placed on the internal Erasmus programme, which sees university students from one member state study at another campus in a different member state. 'I would be encouraging people not to put all their eggs in one basket with the US. Maybe start looking further afield. From a business standpoint, we need to give [companies] better access to the single market,' she said. Walsh spoke to reporters in Brussels today (file image) Walsh, who is also a US citizen by birth, added: 'We [also] need to make sure that there's a better market here for the student population. How can we make Erasmus easier for you to move?' Advertisement This will apply to all applicants for F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas. The J nonimmigrant visa is the best known of these. It covers work in the US for a limited period, while its J1 iteration allows students and college graduates to enter the US during the summer for work and travel in the US. In the statement, the US Embassy said that a visa 'is a privilege, not a right' for travellers and that every visa decision was a 'national security decision'. The embassy said it will resume scheduling F, M, and J nonimmigrant visa applications soon. 'The fact that another country has made it so that they can look into your social media over the last five years – that is incredibly difficult for me to comprehend as someone who lives in a country that holds a number of social media platforms and is part of a very rich, peaceful product like the EU,' Walsh said. Over the last year, the European Commission has been investigating methods to cut back on bureaucracy and invest in the single market and boost competitiveness between businesses in member states by making it easier to give companies access to the single market. It comes after two high-level reports were delivered to the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the beginning of her second term, outlining how to improve Europe's single market. In education, Europe has sought to attract researchers who otherwise would've attended an American university through new innovation grants and schemes . It comes after US President Donald Trump has sought to target certain aspects of academia in his country and attempted to ban international students at campuses , such as Harvard University. The Journal attended the US Embassy today and asked students queuing outside what they make of social media checks . One student, Éamon, said he 'did not have a problem' with the recent changes to US visa application checks. Other students, such as Ailbhe, said the new changes are likely to make students worried, particularly if they frequently use social media for activism. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Journal
01-05-2025
- The Journal
Drones dropping 'unprecedented level' of contraband to prisons (even one cell window delivery)
Muiris O'Cearbhaill reports from Galway UP TO €5M worth of contraband has been smuggled into Irish prisons so far this year, according to the Prison Officers Association. One alleged incident included a drone being flown near a cell window and the delivery being hooked into the building by someone inside, the association said. The parcels – usually filled with drugs, sim cards, phones or weapons – have estimated values of between thousands and tens of thousands of euro. Deputy General Secretary of the Irish Prison Officers' Association Gabriel Keaveny said there has been more than 100 confirmed sightings of drones delivering contraband into Irish prisons since the start of the year. A large quantity of illegal drugs and two mobile phones recently seized by prison officers. POA POA 'Because of there's so many mobile phones in the prisons, [people] are sending drones to a particular set of coordinates – exactly to the cell window if it's needed – and it's pulled in on a hook,' Keaveny said. Depending on the contents of the parcels, they can reach up to €50,000 in value. A large number of pills and other drugs which made their way into Irish prisons. POA POA It is understood that the event where a delivery was hooked into a cell from a window was an isolated incident. Advertisement A spokesperson for the service previously said that officers have also increased cell searches in response. The Department of Justice and the Irish Prison Service has installed new metal netting at prisons where drones are a particular issue. Keaveny said he believed that some drone operators have attempted to get around this by dropping deliveries into the prison's ventilation system. He said investments need to be made in technology to stop drones from breaching the perimeter walls of Irish facilities. Small bottles of alcohol have been smuggled into prisons in recent years. POA POA Knives and other weapons have been found in prisons and officers worry that firearms may be next. POA POA Officers were fearful guns could be delivered by drones, he said. At the Prison Officers' Association's Annual Conference in Galway today, justice minister Jim O'Callaghan was shown images of the contents of some of the deliveries. The images show vast amounts of pills, cannabis, mobile phones, knives, alcohol and other illicit substances. The Journal has previously reported that large numbers of drug deliveries are a 'significant issue' in Irish prisons . Drugs and smartphones which have been smuggled into Irish prisons. POA POA The Prison Officers' Association has expressed concern over the risk that its members are in when retrieving and intercepting the deliveries. General Secretary Karl Dalton said the level of contraband arriving into prisons is 'unprecedented' because of the use of drones. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
