The European Parliament continues to fight for a Union of Equality
Strasbourg, 8 February 2024 – Today, the European Parliament has voted on the Implementation report on the EU LGBTIQ Equality Strategy for the 2020–2025 period. In the report, the MEPs call for a reinforced mandate of the Equality and Diversity Commissioner, with a strong focus on the rights of LGBTIQ+ persons, as well a new […]
Parachute Candidate: Episode 7
In episode seven of “Parachute Candidate,” I speak with Lord Michael Cashman. Born in London, Michael has dedicated his life to improving the lived experience of the LGBTI+ community worldwide. Many will recognise Michael from his work on Albert Square as Colin Russell in “EastEnders.” In 1989, his role featured the first same-sex kiss on […]
Technological Universities across Midlands-North West set to receive over €36m in funding – MEP Maria Walsh
Third-level institutions across the Midlands-North West are set to receive over €36 million in funding to enhance research and innovation opportunities, according to Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh. Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT), Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) and Atlantic Technological University (ATU) are all set to benefit from the announcement, receiving €5m, €12m […]
Withdrawal of EU pesticide policy will come as a relief to Irish farmers – MEP Maria Walsh
Maria Walsh MEP has, this morning, welcomed the direction of Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen to withdraw the contentious Sustainable Use Regulation (SUR). The SUR, which aims to reduce the use of chemical pesticides by at least 50% across the European Union by 2030, has been divisive since its inception in Summer 2022. The […]
New EU rules will help uncover the true extent of human trafficking in Ireland – MEP Walsh
New rules introduced by the European Parliament will be instrumental in revealing the true extent of the silent industry of human trafficking in Ireland, according to Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh. MEP Walsh was amongst a group of MEPs that wrote the Revision to the EU’s Anti-Trafficking Directive aimed at strengthening protections for victims of […]
Parachute Candidate: Episode 6
In episode six of Parachute Candidate, I speak with Vice Admiral Mark Mellett. Mark served for 45 years in the Irish Naval Service, building on his skills to lead the Defence Force as Chief of Staff for over 6 years. Since his retirement in September 2021, Mark has continued his work in making positive change […]
Parachute Candidate: Episode 5
In episode five of Parachute Candidate, I speak with Kevin Hyland, the UK’s first Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner. Over his 30 year career as a police officer, Kevin worked closely with survivors and victims of human trafficking and from this work, he was appointed an OBE for services to combating human trafficking in 2015. He authored […]
Over €3.5 million to support rural third-level campuses across Midlands North-West – MEP Walsh
Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) and University of Galway will all benefit from the new fund ATU is set to receive over €2.6 million, while TUS and University of Galway will receive €690,000 and €230,000 respectively as part of a new fund announced today, according to Fine Gael MEP Maria […]
Parachute Candidate: Episode 4
In episode four of Parachute Candidate, I speak with Dr. Gladys Ganiel, Professor of Sociology at Queen’s University. Gladys was born in the United States and has called Island of Ireland home since 1999. Her work has been predominantly focused on religion, in particular the role of religion in conflict specifically in Northern Ireland, the […]
Farming community must ensure they tend to their mental health – MEP Maria Walsh
With suicide ideation twice as high among the farming community as in the general population, it’s time we addressed the silent and heartbreaking pandemic, says MEP Walsh Farming communities across rural Ireland are being urged to ensure they are tending to more than their land and livestock this Christmas, with suicide ideation twice as high […]
