New EU funding package must include mental health services and protected LEADER investment – MEP Maria Walsh
Mental health services, young farmers and the LEADER programme must receive guaranteed EU funding under the National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPP), Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh has said. The NRPP is a new proposal from the European Commission that would account for 44% of the EU’s total budget for 2028-2034, covering funding for the […]
MEP Maria Walsh to oppose controversial ‘return hubs’ proposal in EU migration vote
Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh will vote against the controversial ‘return hubs’ proposal, warning that fundamental human rights are not guaranteed and the scheme represents poor value for money for EU taxpayers. MEPs in the European Parliament are set to cast their final vote on the Returns Regulations on Wednesday 17th June. The proposal would […]
Europe’s largest political group arrives in West of Ireland for EPP Summer University – MEP Maria Walsh
The European Parliament’s largest political group will arrive in the West of Ireland for three days of political discussions, study visits and cultural activities this week, welcomed by Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh. The Group of the European People’s Party (EPP) Summer University is taking place in Galway from June 10–12, and will bring together […]
Register now: Thriving Mná – 3rd of July 2026
Join us on Friday, 3 July, 11:30am-2:30pm at The Hardiman Hotel, Galway, for an important conversation on women’s health and female financial empowerment, as Ireland begins the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. This event will explore key topics including: Thriving Mná will bring together policymakers, advocates, stakeholders, and business leaders to discuss […]
MEP Maria Walsh presents new Generational Renewal report in European Parliament
MEP Maria Walsh today presented her report on Generational Renewal in front of the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee, which included a call for 10% of the new CAP budget to be guaranteed for young farmers. Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh is the Parliament’s lead negotiator on the report on Generational Renewal in Agriculture which sets […]
West of Ireland to host top political gathering for EPP Summer University – MEP Maria Walsh
More than 100 politicians, MEPs, business leaders and policy experts from across Europe will travel to the West of Ireland this June, welcomed by Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh. The Group of the European People’s Party (EPP) Summer University takes place from June 10–12, and will bring senior European political figures, including EPP President Manfred […]
10% of CAP budget must be ringfenced for young farmers – MEP Maria Walsh
MEP Maria Walsh has published the European Parliament’s draft report on Generational Renewal in Agriculture which calls for 10 % of the post-2027 CAP budget to be ring-fenced for young farmers. Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh is the Parliament’s lead negotiator on the report on Generational Renewal in Agriculture which acts as a blueprint for […]
EU Fertiliser Plan unlocks funding for Irish farmers but falls short of solving long-term crisis – MEP Maria Walsh
Emergency financial support for Irish farmers facing soaring fertiliser costs is welcome but the Commission lacks the ambition needed to solve the long-term crisis, Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh has said. The European Commission unveiled its Fertiliser Action Plan today and includes measures such as emergency financial support for farmers, a new EU Fertilisers Partnership […]
Mercosur deal fast-tracked after ECJ referral backfires – MEP Maria Walsh
The trade elements of the EU-Mercosur Agreement are set to take effect from tomorrow, Friday May 1st, without approval from the European Parliament, Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh has said. The accelerated application of the Mercosur agreement follows a referral to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) earlier this year – a move which, MEP Walsh […]
European Parliament votes to introduce EU-wide definition of rape – MEP Maria Walsh
The European Parliament has voted to introduce an EU-wide definition of rape based on the principle of consent, Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh has said. Through this vote, MEPs have formally called on the European Commission to propose legislation which will establish an EU-wide definition of rape based on the requirement of freely given, informed […]