Alan Kelly MEP
Alan Kelly MEP
EU Competition Commissioner Needs to Investigate Supermarkets Activities
Following recent media reports about the use of "hello money" and "placing money" by supermarkets on suppliers, I am calling on both the European Commission and the Irish Competition Authority to investigate allegations that Irish suppliers are being asked to pay sums of up to €500,000 in order to have their products stocked in Tesco stores.
In recent years I have become increasingly concerned by the power of the large multiples in Europe and their effects on both food producers and consumers. It is clear that companies such as Tesco have little interest in Irish farmers, Irish food producers or Irish consumers. Their sole interest lies in lower prices paid to farmers and producers and reduced choice for shoppers. The allegations as reported this morning if true, are further proof of this.
Permanent link | Posted in Agriculture • alan kelly • food • agriculture • competition
A Big Week for Former Dell/Mid West Workers as EGF Starts Rolling
This is a huge week for the former workers in Dell, Banta, Flextronics, Irish Express Cargo and the other companies that were closed as a result of the Dell pullout of Limerick in January 2009. On Wednesday morning I met with the EU Commissioner for Employment, Mr. Andor and got assurances regarding the flexibility of the EGF scheme that can be used for job placement, training and starting your own business. These are the three key pillars under which workers can used their share of the €2.8 million that was allocated to them.
On Wednesday night there was a mass meeting of workers in the Strand Hotel in Limerick. At this meetin the Government appointed representatives answered questions regarding how to access the fund under those three pillars. There were at least 800 people in attendance. I came back from Strasboug to attend the meeting and update the workers on the meeting with Commissioner Andor and his officials.
Permanent link | Posted in Dell • EGF • Mid West • alan kelly
Meeting Commissioner Andor
On Wednesday I met with Commissioner for Employment Affairs, Laszlo Andor. He is the Hungarian Commissioner and an exceptionally approacable and likeable person. My request for the meeting was principally to get an update on the Dell EGF fund and he told me that the fund was very flexible as regards its administration and also that it would be released this week to the Irish Government. I also got an assurance that the Waterford Crystal fund would be passed by the Commission soon and before the Parliament by March or April, which I broadly welcomed. WE also spoke about the SR Technics application and a number of other issues which I am persuing with the Commissioner on behalf Ireland and my constituents.
Permanent link | Posted in Commissioner Andor • Dell • EGF • alan kelly • Mid West
UCC Students Visit European Parliament
This week I had a visit from a group of Law students from across Irish Universities, but in particular UCC and what a lively bunch they were in Strasbourg! The certanly knew how to make the most out of the trip and enjoy themselves while also learning and asking many, many questions. I was delighted to have them there. In particular, it was great to have Declan Walsh, Lecturer in EU Law in UCC accompanying them. Declan has been a friend of mine for many years since my time in Cork and is a great authority on all matters in relation to Europe.
The students visited the Parliament on Wednesday morning (Feb11th) and I hope I gave them a good understanding of how the parliament works, the committee systems, the life of an MEP and the various topical issues. I certainly enjoyed their company and look forward to seeing them back in my old alma mater in the coming months and years.
Permanent link | Posted in Education • UCC
