EU free WIFI initiative approved by European Parliament – Hayes

Fine Gael MEP, Brian Hayes has today (Tuesday) welcomed the successful passing of the EU’s new Wi-Fi initiative. Speaking in Strasbourg after the vote the Dublin MEP said that the initiative known as “WIFI4EU” is an example of how Europe can be practical and useful in citizen’s everyday lives.

“I am very pleased that plans by the EU to invest in thousands of public Wi-Fi access points across the EU will begin shortly following today’s vote. A total of €120 million will be provided for the initial role out.”

“The programme will allow Local Authorities such as Dublin City Council, South Dublin County Council, Fingal County Council and Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council apply for funding to equip parks, public buildings and village squares with high quality Wi-Fi access.”

“Role out of the initiative will be on a first come first served basis. It is a great opportunity for the four local authorities in Dublin to provide a service to Dublin citizens. I strongly support the initiative and hope the Dublin authorities will apply to participate,” concluded MEP Hayes

MOSCOVICI CONFIRMS NO CHANGE FOR IRELAND IN FISCAL RULES – Hayes

Brian Hayes MEP today said that European Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs Pierre Moscovici has informed him in a letter that there will be no change to the EU fiscal rules for Ireland for the upcoming budget.

“Commissioner Moscovici has made it clear that there won’t be any special deal for Ireland to change the fiscal rules to give us extra fiscal space in the upcoming budget.

“There are issues with the methodology behind the fiscal rules but it is clear that for any changes to occur with the fiscal rules, there needs to be agreement from all Member States. The Department of Finance has been in regular discussions with the Commission and other Member States over many years to seek changes to the fiscal rules and has negotiated many improvements. But this requires patient negotiations and has to be done with all Member States, the Commission cannot grant special deals.

“The fiscal rules do have an impact on Ireland’s fiscal space in budgets. Yet because we are currently running a deficit, there are more constraints on our budgetary capacity for increased spending and tax cuts. What is really important is that we achieve a balanced budget next year, as Minister Donohoe has committed to. If we achieve a balanced budget by next year, then we will have reached our Medium Term Objective under the Fiscal rules – meaning that there are far less restrictions on our spending levels as we will no longer be running a deficit. We will be freer to invest in things like housing and infrastructure.

“Minister Donohoe said in July that we effectively only have about €300 million worth of fiscal space for tax cuts and increased spending. On the scale of the overall budget for the whole of 2018, which will be around €60 billion, this is a tiny amount to play around with.

“Sticking to the fiscal rules is absolutely vital. The fiscal rules are there to ensure that we don’t follow pro-cyclical fiscal policies and so that we can prevent major economic downturns. Politicians of all parties are blaming the EU and the fiscal rules for what we can and cannot do. This is a cop out. It’s what we in Ireland have agreed to and put into national legislation. We should be embracing the fiscal rules as they are designed to keep our economy healthy and to ensure that governments do not become reckless with spending.”

Hayes writes to Draghi to allow for more QE purchases of Irish debt

Ahead of the ECB’s Governing Council meeting today (Thursday), Brian Hayes MEP has written to ECB President Mario Draghi to seek to ease a restriction which allows the ECB to buy no more than 33 per cent of eligible bonds from a single state. This restriction may prohibit the ECB from buying more Irish debt in the remaining period of the Quantitative Easing programme.

“Given that the ECB’s Quantitative Easing programme will run until at least the end of this year, there is a risk that the ECB will be restricted from buying any more Irish debt as it is getting very close to the 33 per cent limit. Under the QE programme, the ECB has purchased almost €23 billion worth of Irish debt.

“In March this year, NTMA data showed that, in total, the ECB held €45 billion of the €121.6bn Irish Government bonds in issuance. However, this figure is skewed by the fact that due to the promissory note deal, these Anglo-Irish related bonds remain on the Central Bank’s balance sheet and are calculated as part of the ECB’s holding of Irish debt.

“The Irish Central Bank took €25 billion worth of long-term Anglo-Irish bonds onto its books in February 2013 as part of the promissory note deal. It has since sold off about €8 billion of the bonds but the outstanding amount is still over-inflating our exposure to the ECB.

“There needs to be some solution to this issue. There is a chance that we could get to October or November and the ECB would be completely restricted from buying Irish debt as part of the QE programme. We cannot be put at a disadvantage to other Eurozone countries – the QE programme was designed to purchase Member State bonds proportionally on the basis of economy size. This is the fundamental principle of the programme and must be guarded by the ECB.

“There are two potential options that the ECB could pursue. Either the issuer limit could be increased from 33% to 50% – this would give the ECB wriggle room not just for Ireland but also for Portugal and Germany whose bond purchases are close to the 33% limit. Or the ECB could factor the Anglo-Irish related bonds out of the 33% issuer limit. This would make sense given that this was a special ad-hoc arrangement between the government and the ECB in 2013 that was designed to curtail the risks from the Anglo-Irish bank collapse.

“Whatever the future of the QE programme beyond 2017, it must be ensured that the programme is wound up properly with all participant Eurozone countries fairly treated. If the ECB stops purchasing Irish bonds while the programme is ongoing, this could send a very negative signal to the markets.”

Government should legislate for Rainy Day Fund – Hayes

Brian Hayes MEP today said that the government should put in place the Rainy Day Fund by way of legislation through the Houses of the Oireachtas.

“The best way to ensure the success of a Rainy Day Fund would be to establish it by way of legislation. This would give it the stamp of approval from the Dáil and Seanad and would ensure that the Fund has a long-term horizon beyond the current and next government. Legislation would show that Fine Gael and Fianna Fail are truly committed to putting money aside for the long-term.

“We should follow the path of the National Pension Reserve Fund (NPRF) which was established through an Act of the Oireachtas in 2000. The Exchequer contributed 1% of GNP annually to the NPRF which built up a significant buffer for Ireland and was very much needed during the financial crisis. Before the NPRF was used to recapitalise the banks, it was worth €23 billion.

“We should be looking to build up similar levels with the Rainy Day Fund. The government has set out its plan for the first three years of the Rainy Day Fund, whereby €500 million would be contributed to the fund annually from 2019-2021. After this period, I believe the amounts could be higher. A sensible option for the Rainy Day Fund would be to link the contributions to the level of growth – for instance, when we have a high level of annual growth, the contributions would be larger.

“Whatever the contributions, the best way of establishing this Fund is through legislation. The legislation should set out how the Fund would operate, who manages the fund, the investment policy of the Fund and several other issues.

“The Rainy Day Fund will provide a vital safeguard for our economy. As the Fiscal Advisory Council said, it is one of the ‘most effective measures available to any government to prevent a boom-bust cycle.’ It also will help us deal with the potentially massive pension liability coming down the tracks. People are living longer and demographics are changing; therefore we need to have ‘piggy bank money’ in place to have enough future pension reserves.

“But the upmost priority for the government must be achieving a balanced budget by 2018. If we achieve a balanced budget by next year, then we will have reached our Medium Term Objective under the Fiscal rules – meaning that there are far less restrictions on our spending levels as we will no longer be running a deficit. We will be freer to invest in things like housing and infrastructure. So balancing the books is vital.”

Hayes encourages more young Irish people to consider Erasmus programme

Irish students less inclined to partake in Erasmus than European counterparts

Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes, has encouraged more young people to get involved in the EU’s Erasmus Programme, pointing out that less Irish students participate in the programme than other European students.

“All universities in Ireland offer an Erasmus programme. But figures show that more than twice as many EU students come into Ireland for Erasmus, as Irish students go to other EU countries. On average 3,500 Irish students travel to universities in other EU countries, while about 8,000 students from universities in other EU countries come to Ireland.

“This year marks the 30th Birthday of the Erasmus programme. The programme was first established in 1987 and allows students living in the EU the opportunity to study in another European country during their time at university. Over the past 30 years, over 88,000 Irish students and teachers have participated in the programme.

“Students who go on an Erasmus exchange have a great opportunity to visit different countries. The programme allows students to experience these countries as opposed to just hearing and learning about them.

“The Erasmus programme is one of the most successful EU programmes. Its popularity continues to grow. Between 2014 and 2020 over €14.7 billion will be provided by the EU. There are great opportunities for Irish students to experience other EU countries. I encourage all students who are interested to speak with their University authorities about participating in the programme,” MEP Hayes concluded.

Ireland joining European Southern Observatory would boost SME sector – Hayes

Membership would enable Irish astrophysics’ sector to pitch for international high tech contracts

Careful consideration must be given by the Government to Ireland joining the European Southern Observatory (ESO), said Brian Hayes.

“The limited offer, which presents reduced fees, is due to expire very soon, and while the investment is not inconsiderable, the longer term benefits to the Irish economy must not be underestimated, he added.

“ESO is widely recognised as the most advanced, and scientifically productive, astronomical facility on the planet. For the last 10 years, ESO membership is regarded as the top priority of Irish astronomers.

“TCD, UCD, NUIG, NUIM, DCU, UCC all run astrophysics-related degree programmes, with an average of 10 students graduating in astronomy and astrophysics per institution, per year. Astronomy is an excellent motivator for the brightest students to enter STEM and provides an excellent source of transferrable skills, including analytical, computational, and problem solving.

“Irish membership in the ESO would include:

• Irish researchers being guaranteed access to its facilities
• Irish businesses being able to compete for contracts to develop and supply products and services to the ESO
• A number of training and collaboration for students and researchers within the astrophysics sphere
• The further promotion of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths subjects through the ESO’s very successful outreach programmes

“In addition to the large research community already in position to maximize scientific return from ESO membership, Ireland also has the industrial capability to bid successfully for contracts that will be available. ESO recognises Ireland’s potential to compete and deliver on major international research and industrial projects, and in a bit to encourage us to join, have offered a reduced joining and membership fee, and an option to spread this cost over a 10 year period.

“This cost is not insignificant. Member states are charged membership fees based on its GDP, but the current Director General of the ESO is freezing our joining fee at the 2015 GDP rate. Therefore, the current entrance fee is in the region of €14 million euro, with an annual fee of circa €3 million. However, the ESO target is to have a minimum industrial return coefficient of at least 70% for each Member State, with no upper bound.

“The vision in Innovation 2020 is for Ireland to become a Global Innovation Leader driving a strong sustainable economy and a better society.  Key to this vision is supporting excellent science, nurturing talent and delivering impact.

“Over the past 10 years, the 16 ESO member states have benefitted from contracts worth a total of €715 million. Can we afford on passing up a chance to share a slice of this pie?

“It is my understanding that the Department of Jobs, Trade, Enterprise and Innovation is currently engaged in discussions on the Mid-Term Review of the Capital Plan. I would urge a close study of the long-term benefits ESO membership would pose to our SME sector – and a timely completion of this review as the discounted offer is due to expire when the Director Steps down from the ESO at the end of this month.”

Purchased an item on holidays that turns out to be faulty? The European Consumer Centre can help – Hayes

Fine Gael Dublin MEP, Brian Hayes has highlighted to Irish citizens travelling abroad this Summer to be aware of their consumer rights and the support structures that are in place when purchasing goods in another EU country.

“70% of Irish people who go on summer holidays remain within the EU. Those on holidays often purchase clothing and electronics or avail of services such as hotels and restaurants. However, not many people are aware of the services that the EU has in place to protect them against faulty products or poor services.

“Every EU Member State has a European Consumer Centre (ECC) whose job it is to resolve complaints between consumers and traders in different EU countries. When necessary the ECC can liaise directly with a trader via its sister centre in the country of purchase.

“For example – You are on holidays in Spain and purchase a camera which stops working when you return to Ireland. You have emailed the shop but have failed to receive an adequate response or have language difficulties. You can then contact the ECC who will advise you or make representations on your behalf via the Spanish ECC. The same entitlement applies if you purchase the product online.

“In the last annual report, the ECC in Ireland received 3,503 contacts from consumers. 695 complaints – that’s almost 20% of these complaints – required further assistance from the European Consumer Centres Network (ECC-Net).  When these are examined further it is clear that air travel is once again the top area of complaint. Other areas of complaints that have made it into the top five are electronic goods, car rental, entertainment (for example, sporting tickets, vouchers, or TV broadcasting), and online services.

“When faulty items are purchased in Ireland you simply return it to the shop but this is not possible when the seller is in another country. The ECC provides a valuable service and I would encourage consumers to avail of their services if they find themselves in the position of purchasing faulty products” concluded MEP Hayes.

Blind and visually impaired people will benefit significantly from the new EU rules on copyright – Hayes

Dublin MEP, Brian Hayes has welcomed new EU legislation that will give greater access to books for blind and visually impaired people. The European Parliament has successfully passed the new regulation which will increase the number of books and other copyright materials available in accessible formats such as braille, audio books and large print.

“The decision taken by the European Parliament means that books and other materials that are protected by copyright law can now be easily reproduced in an accessible format for blind and visually impaired people. Up until now, visually impaired people only had access to less than 5% of published works in the EU.

“Everyone has a right to education, information and social participation. The rules up until now have been very unfair. Blind and visually impaired people have been excluded from reading books as they were not published in accessible formats due to copyright rules. The new rules changes that. Individuals and organisations can now make copies of works in accessible formats and distribute them across the EU without fear of breaking the law.”

“There are approximately 30 million visually impaired people in the EU who will benefit significantly from this regulation change.” concluded MEP Hayes.

Airlines not sufficiently respecting EU air passenger rights – Hayes

Passengers rarely receive the care or compensation that they are entitled to in cases of delays or flight cancellations, Brian Hayes stated.

According to a recent survey of almost 11,500 passengers travelling across the EU:

• 10% of those who were delayed experienced a financial loss
• In 25% of those cases, the loss was over €300

“What some passengers may not realise is that they are entitled to compensation if their flight is delayed for more than three hours, or cancelled. However, this is only respected in just 25% of cases.

“Passengers are also entitled to receive free food and drink if their flight is delayed for more than two hours, or cancelled, and that was only respected in 46% of cases.

“EU rules are in place to compensate passengers adequately and airlines are often ignoring them, while the authorities are not stepping in to enforce them. Air passenger rights must be protected in all cases and not just for those who complain.

“As Irish tourists embark on what’s bound to be a busy holiday season, it’s important that they know that, safeguards are there for them should they encounter any disturbance to their travel arrangements. The onus is also airlines to hand out compensation when it is due and look after passengers properly. Infringing airlines should be reported to the European authorities to ensure appropriate action is taken.”

Free HIV testing must be considered to ensure early detection

More needs to be done to address growing numbers of HIV diagnoses in Ireland, says Brian Hayes MEP

HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and viral hepatitis cases are on the rise in the European Union and Ireland needs to get to grips with it, along with other Member States, said Brian Hayes MEP.

“Tuberculosis (TB), which is the biggest killer of people living with HIV, has become a serious cross-border threat as population mobility is increasing. In Ireland last year, 512 people were diagnosed with HIV – a number which has been creeping up since 2011 and particularly in the past two years. Of the numbers diagnosed, 77% were males, while 23% were female. What is interesting though is that over half of the people diagnosed where born outside of Ireland, and are now living here.

“The good news is that people who have been diagnosed with HIV and are receiving treatment now have a near normal life expectancy. However there are fears that a growing ambivalence about the disease is putting increasing numbers at risk. Getting the text is crucial  and while some clinics do offer free tests, one can expect to pay between €75 and €120 for a HIV test.

“As HIV remains the communicable disease bearing the greater social stigma, and with greater numbers of EU and International citizens coming to Ireland, we need to consider making HIV tests free of charge to speed up diagnosis. According to the European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC), one out of seven people living with HIV are not aware they are HIV positive.”

“The European Commission is currently considering the need for a harmonised infection surveillance programme to immediately detect outbreaks of these contagious diseases, assess trends in prevalence, provide disease burden estimates and effectively track in real time how diagnosis, treatment and care are managed.  The estimated average time between HIV infection and diagnosis is four years. This needs to be drastically reduced and free testing, along with a public health campaign may be the way to tackle this.”