Archive for 2009
300m Support For Dairy Farmers Not Enough
Posted on October 22, 2009 by Alan Kelly
Today I voted to increase the dairly support fund for EU dairy farmers from 300m to 600m. The parliament voted in favour of the 300m but alas did not agree to the doubling of this. This was despite the fact that the parliament had previoulst argued that such a figure was necessary. The Labour Party MEPs voted for the 600m but unfortunately the FG and FF MEPs voted against it, which I believe is unfortunate as it was in the best interests of Irish farmers.
Permanent link | Categories: Agriculture • farming • dairy • milk crisis • alan kelly mep • agriculture
Fighting For EU Support for Dell Workers
Posted on October 20, 2009 by Alan Kelly
For eight months now I have been working with the DELL Workers Group on trying to secure them a better deal following the withdrawal of the DELL company from much of its plant in Limerick. This has had a huge impact on the economic well being of the Mid West as a result of the thousands of job losses amongst families in Limerick, Tipperary, Clare, Kerry and Cork.
Permanent link | Categories: Dell • Dennis Ryan • Limerick • Tipperary • Limerick • Banta
'Yes' result for Lisbon Treaty: Thank you Munster!
Posted on October 04, 2009 by Alan Kelly
At 1.25pm on Saturday afternoon the only word I can use to describe how I felt is ‘thrilled’. At that time, I was at the GAA Centre in Nenagh to await the North Tipperary result of the Lisbon Treaty referendum. A 64% turnout in my home constituency and a 70% ‘Yes’ vote majority was simply music to my hears. To make it even better, as I listened to the results come in from all across Munster, I stood proud as always to be an MEP for Ireland South.
Final call for Yes vote in Lisbon Treaty
Posted on September 29, 2009 by Alan Kelly
Time is drawing nearer now on the Lisbon Treaty referendum and I’d like to take one last opportunity to stress the importance of securing a Yes vote in Ireland.
As MEP for Munster/Ireland South I am in strong position to identify the huge benefits that Europe can bring to Ireland.
By ratifying the treaty, it will clearly demonstrate that Ireland will work with Europe to find an achievable solution to our current economic problems. For this reason especially it is so important to send a clear signal to Europe expressing that Ireland is a fully engaged member state, willing to work together towards economic stability.
Visit to Ploughing Championships
Posted on September 24, 2009 by Alan Kelly
Yesterday I spent the day at the National Ploughing Championships in Athy, Co. Kildare with my party leader, Eamon Gilmore and fellow labour representatives.
It struck me see the huge number of farmers and agri-business sector workers I met and spoke to who are totally disillusioned by the current government and their plans to cut vital agriculture schemes.
As a member of the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee in the European Parliament, I especially can identify with the severe degree of suffering endured by those in the Irish farming industry. The anger and frustration that is being caused to these hard-working people is just unacceptable.
Thankfully Irish farmers have an option to challenge some of the difficulties facing the farming sector – the Lisbon Treaty.
Permanent link | Categories: Agriculture
Yes to Lisbon campaign in North Tipp
Posted on September 18, 2009 by Alan Kelly
Today I spent a number of hours meeting people on the streets of Nenagh and Roscrea to discuss the importance of voting Yes to the upcoming Lisbon Treaty referendum.
As part of the Yes to Lisbon campaign, other well known political figures such as former Taoiseach Garret Fitzgerald and Pat Cox, Director of the Ireland for Europe Campaign and former President of the European Parliament were also in the North Tipperary region. An overall strong cross-party representation went to show just how important a Yes vote really is for Ireland.
Celebratory Night
Posted on August 29, 2009 by Alan Kelly
On Saturday night we had a great evening in the Lakeside Hotel where a crowd of approximately 1500 came along for great party that extended late into the night. I was delighted to have Deputy Party Leader Joan Burton to address the crowd along with Jan O'Sullivan TD, Ciaran Lynch TD and Kathleen Lynch TD. Also present were loads of our party Cllrs from around the four corners of Munster and further afield along with my Tipperary colleague Senator Phil Prendergast.
The Reno Showband played the night away and there was a special guest appearance from Rapper GMC. It was amazing how many knew the words of his infamous Election Rap!
Celebratory Party
Posted on August 11, 2009 by Alan Kelly
If you would like to attend please drop a line to alan.kelly@oir.ie or call 067 34190.
Permanent link | Categories: Alan Kelly MEP
European Committee's Picked
Posted on August 10, 2009 by Alan Kelly
I've chosen the two Committee's I'll be sitting on in the European Parliament. They are the Internal Market Committee and the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee. I think they are two very important areas and I'm delighted to have got them. The Internal Market Committee deals with how efficiently we can ensure the market works; breaking down barriers, ensuring proper regulation and protecting businesses and consumers alike. It has been one of the most hardworking Commitee's in the parliament in the past and gets through an awful volume of work. Issues that are coming down the line soon are the Consumers Rights Directive and the issue of Late Payments, particularly from state organisations.
