Activities of Lynn BOYLAN

Written explanations (1010)

. – Denmark is a member of Eurojust but enjoys an opt-out from the Justice and Home Affairs pillar under Protocol 22 to the Treaties. Because of this, when the new Eurojust Regulation 2018/1727 enters into force on 12 December 2019, the country will be considered as a third country with respect to Eurojust.The Danish authorities have expressed the wish to continue to take part in Eurojust, but waiting for the new Regulation to come into force before making a new agreement could risk an ‘operational gap’. This report endorses an agreement made under the current legal framework that will avoid this. I therefore voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – This file is an update on the existing regulation 883/2004, which deals with the coordination of social security systems across the EU. However, when workers or individuals move between Member States there are a complicated series of effects on social security systems which this regulation tries to deal with. For example, when someone is injured on holiday and gets medical treatment in another Member State, or when they move between Member States for work, paying insurance in several countries, and then become unemployed.The outcome at Committee level was quite progressive, including better rules to protect workers at all levels. In general, respect has been maintained for the subsidiarity principle and the establishment of, and rules around, individual social security systems remain the competence of individual Member States, and some loopholes around social fraud have been closed.Unfortunately negotiations with the Council and Commission reached an impasse. Rather than leaving things dangling, with this vote the Parliament reconfirmed its support for the text adopted in Plenary last November. I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report. Sinn Féin supported the Parliament’s position in the November 2018 vote and welcomes the agreed position between Parliament and Council after negotiations. Ambitious CO2 emissions reduction targets of new heavy-duty vehicles will be set for 2025 and for 2030, and a just transition towards zero-emission mobility is to be ensured, taking into account the social effects of the transition throughout the whole automotive value chain.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report. Our political group supported the Parliament’s position on this file when it voted in October 2018. The file presented a balanced report with ambitious yet much needed targets. Despite the fact that the final agreement between the Council and Parliament lost several of the Parliament’s ambitious commitments, we have been requesting public procurement to contribute to GHG emission reduction for a long time, and now we have binding procurement targets per Member State with sub targets for zero-emission vehicles. For these reasons I supported the final text.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this provisional agreement. The proposal is part of a new company law package which aims to promote company mobility within the EU. In attempting to reduce bureaucratic red tape and harmonise e-government services, this proposal just gives additional freedoms to companies to relocate as they please, without any safeguards on fraud or tax evasion. For instance, the physical presence of a company legal representative for the establishment of a company/branch before the relevant authority in the destination Member State is only optional and on a case-by-case basis when there are reasons to suspect identity falsification. There are clearly inadequate safeguards in place, and the effect could be the facilitation of fraud rather than the prevention of it.

2016/11/22

. – This report is part of the new ‘company law package’, which promotes company mobility by making it easier for companies to move their seat from one Member State to another. EU law currently only covers cross-border mergers, but this package introduces harmonised rules for conversions and divisions (another way of moving a company’s seat, which is handy for tax purposes).While the Commission proposal had a one-dimensional focus on delivering company mobility, Parliament’s report included strong provisions on workers’ involvement, information and consultation rights in order to ensure that workers are heard and their interests are safeguarded in the event of a cross-border operation. The report also contained a ‘real seat principle’ requiring genuine economic activity in the Member State where the company moves to in order to prevent the creation of letterbox companies. In trilogue negotiations, however, these provisions were watered down again. Overall, the final report now grants companies greater freedoms to move, without really helping workers. I therefore voted against.

2016/11/22

. – This file is the European Union’s proposal to create a EUR 13 billion slush fund for the European arms industry. This massive fund will be used to boost the profits of French and German arms companies and will increase the amount of weapons exported from Europe every year. This will fuel conflicts around the world as billions worth of European weapons are used in warzones every year.At a time of increased global insecurity as a result of political instability, climate change and poverty, European States should prioritise funds which address these challenges, not fuel the proliferation of arms by giving billions of euro of public money to the arms industry. I voted against.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this provisional agreement. The package of a Directive and Regulation will lessen the safety level of one of the few instruments that is actually relatively stable and has remained so even during the crisis by making it more complex and open to cross-border speculation.In the context of the deepening Capital Markets Union, the Commission has presented a proposal for enabling an EU framework on covered bonds facilitating the cross-border distribution of investments funds. This framework will aim to expand the capacity of credit institutions to provide financing to the real economy and contribute to the development of covered bonds across the EU, particularly in Member States where no market for them currently exists.Covered bonds are an asset class that has remained stable even during the financial crisis. Domestic and cross-border investments in covered bonds have worked well under the current legislative framework. The mandatory harmonisation of national models and their replacement by a European one that will allow the inclusion of derivative contracts and assets coming from third countries could endanger the risk level evaluation of the covered bonds. As a result I voted against.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this provisional agreement. The package of a Directive and Regulation will lessen the safety level of one of the few instruments that is actually relatively stable, and remained so even during the crisis, by making it more complex and open to cross-border speculation.In the context of the deepening Capital Markets Union, the Commission has presented a proposal for enabling an EU framework on covered bonds facilitating the cross-border distribution of investments funds. This framework will aim to expand the capacity of credit institutions to provide financing to the real economy and contribute to the development of covered bonds across the EU, particularly in Member States where no market for them currently exists.Covered bonds are an asset class that has remained stable, even during the financial crisis. Domestic and cross-border investments in covered bonds have worked well under the current legislative framework. The mandatory harmonisation of national models and their replacement by a European model that will allow the inclusion of derivative contracts and assets coming from third countries could endanger the risk level evaluation of the covered bonds. As a result I voted against.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against the InvestEU programme because it is far from the ambitious investment programme the Commission claims. The 40.8 billion euro (from 38 million euro) is expected to be able to leverage 650 billion additional capital to cover investment gaps across Europe. However, as with the previous Juncker Plan, high levels of leverage are only achieved by offering these financial incentive to projects which are already commercially viable. When this is the case these investment funds simply function as subsidies to the private sector and ultimately socialise loses and privatise profits.The claim is that the additionality principle will be more stringently adhered than under EFSI. This is based on the introduction of more sophisticated scorecards; however, these remain ill-defined and unlikely to address the issue. There exists a geographical bias towards favouring wealthier countries and more developed regions. The fund also continues to support fossil-fuel projects.Furthermore, when it comes to funding SMEs, InvestEU uses financial intermediaries (i.e. banks, finance institutions, private equity and venture capital funds) and there has been a worrying lack of transparency and therefore oversight of how effective this have been in supporting SMEs. For these reasons, we voted against.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this report. The Single Maritime Window aims to harmonise procedures in maritime transport by introducing a single window for reporting formalities for ships. The European Commission argues that there is difficulty due to different ways in reporting data between ports and national authorities. The European Commission will therefore create harmonised EU data formats and standards, and will set up a helpdesk on how to format this data.Although it is a technical file, initiatives like this are yet another example of the European Commission’s desire to be a body of oversight in every single sector. It merely furthers the EU’s wider harmonisation agenda, and sets a precedent of further erosion of Member States’ powers.

2016/11/22

. – We strongly wanted to vote in favour of this proposal, but despite the best efforts of the rapporteur and the left groups in the Parliament, the report was significantly watered down in both committee and trilogue level. We abstained. This report relates to disclosure requirements as part of the sustainable finance package. It aims to introduce consistency and clarity on how institutional investors should integrate environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors in their investment decision-making process. These asset managers and institutional investors would have to demonstrate how their investments are aligned with ESG objectives and disclose to their customers how they comply with these duties.However, right wing groups succeeded in making the disclosures on sustainability requirement, which we had wanted to see apply to all financial products and financial advisors, applicable only to the tiny section of the industry that has clearly committed to ESG objectives (around one per cent of the financial sector). Additionally the Council has successfully removed the Parliament’s position that banks must also be covered by the regulation.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against the text resulting from negotiations between the Council and Parliament. Last November, we supported Parliament’s position on the recast of the 2004 Regulation on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POP). The new modifications introduced were aimed at assessing the danger to human health of substances already identified within the POPs list, and at updating the concerned concentration threshold of such substances.However, the agreed position with the Council on the introduction of these new substances and thresholds established that this will be done via delegated/implementing acts in the near future instead of including it in the current report under the Annexes, as initially agreed. This lack of commitment is unacceptable from a health and environmental perspective, and for this reason we voted against.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this report. At the G20 summit in Pittsburgh in 2009, a number of significant proposals were agreed aimed at improving financial security in the wake of the global financial crisis. One of these was the promotion of central clearing counterparties (CCPs), which carry out ‘clearing’ between trading parties, especially in the derivatives market. They act as the intermediary between two traders and act as a form of insurance so that in case one party defaults, the other party will receive their money.CCPs are regulated by EMIR (the European Market Infrastructure Regulation). Although they were promoted after the financial crisis as a means to improve financial stability, they have concentrated huge amounts of money and complex financial instruments in the clearing houses.This proposal is part of the EMIR REFIT programme and it essentially aims to wind back some of the post-crisis legislation for CCPs that has been enacted in order to remove ‘burdens’ and ‘red tape’ for the industry. This is an attempt to deregulate the already limited regulatory requirements on highly complex and dangerous financial instruments, so we voted against.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained on this proposal, which relates to the treatment of non-EU CCPs that clear in euro-dominations. There are 16 CCPs established and authorised in the EU (including three in the City of London). Thirty—two third country CCPs have been recognised under EMIR’s equivalence provisions, allowing them to offer their services in the EU. Following Brexit, the three CCPs based in Britain will de facto become third country CCPs.The provisional agreement has allowed the ESMA to announce that in the event of a no-deal Brexit, three central CCPs established in Britain will be recognised by the EU. ESMA has adopted these recognition decisions in order to limit disruption in central clearing and to avoid risks to financial stability.We are generally supportive of the proposal to improve the powers of ESMA to supervise the activities of CCPs, including up to the point where the Commission can request the relocation of CCPs trading in euros to be located in the EU. However, there are many areas where supervisory powers are not strong enough, and there is no incentive whatsoever to reduce the extreme high trade in complex financial instruments including derivatives under this proposal, so as a result we abstained.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained on this proposal, which is part of the Capital Markets Union programme. Obviously we are not opposed to the activity and growth of SMEs, but this proposal is part of the Commission’s drive to shift from bank financing of all business, big and small, to non-bank financing. This underpins the CMU, the rise of shadow banking, etc. This proposal is largely redundant; it is the lack of demand by indebted businesses that is causing a lack of traditional bank lending.The proposal presented by the Commission aims to simplify the existing procedures to favour the financing of SMEs in the so-called ‘growth markets’ (through non—bank financing). It is a model similar to that of the stock markets, but designed specifically for SMEs. The truth is that the result of this initiative has been very poor. Only 3 000 companies have accessed this funding facility.We did not vote against as we don’t want to undermine the potential for growth among SMEs, but in reality this is a very poor and ideologically misguided proposal, not backed up by any empirical evidence, so we did not vote in favour either.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this motion for resolution. Throughout this legislature, Sinn Féin has been calling for a strengthening of the European Parliament’s right of inquiry. We support the aims of this resolution to give a mandate to the Legal Affairs Committee to prepare an action before the European Court of Justice on the basis that the Council has breached the principle of sincere cooperation, as well as to investigate violations by the European Council in the legal framework of committees of inquiry like PANA and EMIS. We therefore voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this resolution. Exposure to endocrine disruptors (EDs) has been clearly linked to many chronic health disorders, including obesity and metabolic disorders, male and female reproductive disorders, reproductive cancers, etc. The motion for resolution, supported by a large majority, follows closely the recommendations of a study commissioned by the PETI Committee published earlier this year, which presents the scientific knowledge regarding the health effects of endocrine disruptors. The JMR calls on the Commission to swiftly take all necessary action to ensure a high level of protection of human health and the environment against EDs by effectively minimising overall exposure of humans and the environment to EDs.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against these changes. The proposed changes are an attempt to make it more difficult to establish political groups by requiring every European parliamentary group to submit a declaration of ‘political affinity’ between national delegations in the group, which will set out the political orientation of a group ‘in a substantial and distinctive way’. This declaration can then be scrutinised by the Conference of Presidents, which will have the power to decide if a group is ‘real’ or ‘not real’ if this so called affinity is questionable. This proposal threatens the integrity of GUE/NGL, as well as any confederal political group. Sinn Féin’s political orientation is formed by our party membership at an Ard Fheis and cannot be influenced by a European political grouping. Therefore I voted against this regressive proposal.

2016/11/22

. – Since the 2013 update to the Eurodac Regulation, law enforcement authorities can consult the Eurodac biometric database (which was created originally to apply the Dublin Regulation, i.e. solely for asylum policies) for the purpose of ‘prevention, detection and investigation of terrorist offences and other serious criminal offences’.Denmark does not fully take part in the Eurodac Regulation. Since 2006, Denmark has had limited access, applying only the asylum elements, but not the law enforcement elements.Denmark has now requested extending this access to include law enforcement authorities, which this protocol would allow. All participating States, whether other EU Member States, Associated Countries or Denmark, with this access to Eurodac, may also access each other’s data for law enforcement purposes.This extension of the scope of the database has not undergone any assessment on its necessity or implementation, and there are serious privacy, proportionality and overreach concerns with how Eurodac is used. I therefore voted against.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report. This was a vote on the interinstitutional negotiations between the Commission, the Council and Parliament. While there is a positive element in this final report, which states that at least 35% of the Horizon Europe budget shall go to climate-related research, the reality is that Horizon Europe will still serve as a research scheme towards ‘activities aiming to foster the competitiveness, efficiency and innovation capacity of the European defence, technological and industrial base’. Sinn Féin supports a Horizon Europe programme for research and innovation for civil purposes, and not one that enhances projects on defence, militarisation and a European defence fund.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on this vote. I completely agree that the market must be monitored to ensure the safety of products such as toys, but I think this proposal contained too much duplication, which would drive up costs.I was pleased to see this proposal aimed to put in place minimum powers for national authorities, designation of persons responsible for products and mutual evidence recognition between Member States. However, I disagree that a European compliance network and European test sites are needed. All Member States have testing facilities and a national authority in charge of market surveillance; to me this seems like costly duplication that is designed to make Member States more accountable to the Commission, which can convene and would be present at such meetings. I am disappointed the proposal overstretched what was needed in this way.

2016/11/22

. – I supported this proposal as it’s the first of its kind laying down rules to ensure that business users of online intermediation services and corporate website users in relation to online search engines are granted appropriate transparency, fairness, and effective redress possibilities.This regulation will make sure that terms and conditions are clearer, that accounts from businesses using platforms cannot suddenly be deleted anymore and platforms will need to be transparent on their main ranking parameters.When displaying the results, the online intermediation service shall also disclose close to each ranking whether it has been influenced by differentiated treatment or by any direct or indirect remuneration, contractual or direct ownership relation.

2016/11/22

. – This file deals with the modernisation of a couple of pieces of consumer protection legislation.The Commission proposal introduces penalties for companies not respecting consumer protection rules, and supports more clarity for consumers on market places.There were a number of positive elements to this proposal which included:• no limitation on the right of withdrawal,• clearer rules on marketplaces,• more practices added to the blacklist and stricter rules on door-to-door selling.I supported this legislative proposal. The various consumer bodies in Ireland and Europe supported this proposal also as they considered it a step in the right direction.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report. Although the Council blocked some of the progressive elements of the Parliament’s position, the result does markedly improve the transparency of risk assessments in the food chain. Applications for pesticides, GMOs and food additives, including the industry studies and data, will be made publicly available for scrutiny, and labs will be inspected and have to notify failures of good research practices.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this agreement from negotiations. Supplementary Protection Certificates in the EU extend the market exclusivity for medicinal products provided by patents by up to five years, to compensate for the time lapse between the patent application and the granting of the market authorisation. At the moment generic and biosimilar medicines cannot be exported while under this certificate, causing their producers to delocalise. The Commission proposal is to grant a manufacturing waiver during the validity of the these certificates, but for export purposes only, and is accompanied by a set of transparency measures on producers of generic and biosimilar medicines. We have no reason to object to this waiver.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this report as there were a number of serious issues with this file. Whilst reduced dependence on bodies outside the Europe can be positive this programme could be used to further the militarisation agenda and weaponise space under the guise of security and defence.There is a concerning security-dimension central to GOVSATCOM and the Galileo project which also provides non-civilian applications in the areas of security and defence, specifically guidance systems or missile and military drone technology.Regarding the cost, the MFF period of 2021-27 we are looking at funding Galileo/Egnos at EUR 8.6bn in 2018 (constant) prices (EUR 9.7bn in current prices) and Copernicus at EUR 5.1bn (EUR 5.8bn). EUR 0.4bn (EUR 0.5bn) which has been allocated to STT and Govsatcom. This is a massive cost and expenditure of taxpayers’ money.

2016/11/22

. – In the summer of 2018 the European Commission proposed a regulation for the ‘Digital Europe’ programme for the period 2021-2027. The programme, which has a financial envelope of 9.2 billion euros, is to make investments in the main challenges for the digital transformation. The general objective of the programme is ‘to support the digital transformation of the European economy and society and bring its benefits to EU citizens and businesses’.We voted against this report because there are overlaps with existing programmes and instead of creating a new budget line, we could safeguard and better fund programmes like Cohesion funding to ensure the digital infrastructure is developed before we push ahead the digitisation agenda, otherwise areas with lessor connectivity could potentially fall farther behind.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report, which sets aside certain monies from the EU’s next long-term budget (MFF) to cross-border cooperation in tackling tax avoidance and evasion.The Commission proposal was improved and it now includes a list of priority actions that national tax authorities will need to work on to fight tax evasion and avoidance arising from the lessons learned through the Luxleaks, Panama Papers, Paradise Papers and other scandals, and the changes will increase the effectiveness of the programme.An improved evaluation and reporting system will uncover possible shortcomings in the cooperation and exchange between tax authorities. Additionally, the financing of joint audits of several national tax authorities will be possible under the programme. This will help to control tax payments of transnational corporations.This Fiscalis programme continues the existing Fiscalis 2020 programme and has a relatively small envelope of 270 million euros. The vast majority of the proposed budget will be spent on IT capacity building activities.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this agreement from negotiations. LIFE is the EU’s financial instrument supporting environmental, nature conservation and climate action projects throughout the EU, and since 1992, it has co-financed more than 4 500 projects. The general objective of the proposed new LIFE programme for 2021-2027 is to contribute to the shift towards a clean, circular, energy-efficient, low-carbon and climate-resilient economy, including through the transition to clean energy. The new programme proposal has two main fields of action covering four sub-programmes, each with its own financial envelope: the Environment field and the Climate Action field. In addition to the final agreement, we also supported amendments from my group aiming to strengthen the programme, to stop the financing of fossil fuels and to increase the budget to 10 billion euro.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this Regulation, which would establish a new EUR 305m fund to create an EU area of justice. The objectives are to protect the rule of law in the EU and it is clearly a reaction to worrying developments in Hungary and Poland. Although we agree with the promotion of tools to further democracy and the rule of law, and would like to see more support for civil society in these areas, this Regulation approaches the issue in the wrong way. The Regulation recommends the withdrawal of common programme funds to a Member State if they are subject to procedures related to Union values. In effect, this would mean economic sanctions on local communities and private citizens for the actions of their Government. We also massively disagree with the new approach of the Commission to force recipients of EU funds to use large portions of these funds on advertising the EU. Funds should be focussed on targeted actions, not expensive media campaigns. For these reasons we voted against.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this proposal. Sinn Féin have consistently fought for funding for NGOs, local organisations and local/regional government, however it is clear that this instrument is unfit for purpose. This instrument seeks to exploit endemic shortfalls in funding across Ireland in order to coerce local organisations to emulate the so called ‘values’ of the European Union and to ensure complete compliance in this regard. This is a clear attempt by the European Commission to create nodes of influence across the island in order forge ideas of ‘European history’, ‘European Culture’ and ultimately a homogenous European identity. We therefore voted against.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this decision, which is based on the changes that occurred in the course of this legislative term, including the delegation to Palestine, which was renamed on the proposal of Martina Anderson MEP.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this file to ensure that Britain will honour its commitments to the EU budget until 31 December 2019. This file calls on Britain to agree in writing to continue it’s financing of the 2019 EU BUDG, to accept the controls and audits which cover the implementation of the programmes or actions; This would include a role for the ECJ in relation to EU funds. It will mitigate the disruptive effect of the withdrawal on existing agreements and decisions, allowing an orderly budget implementation.

2016/11/22

. – The current Agreement expired on 20 February 2019. The Commission presented a proposal, which aims at renewal of the S&T Cooperation Agreement between EU and Russia for the next 5-years period, without any changes to the initial text. According to the initial agreement, cooperation may be pursued in the following activities: environment and climate research; health research; agriculture, forestry and fisheries research; industrial and production technologies; materials research and metrology; non-nuclear research; transportation; ICT; social sciences research and training and mobility of scientists.Since the current agreement has already expired, the Commission asked the Parliament whether the fast-track procedure could be applied. On the request of Fianna Fail’s group ALDE there was an additional unnecessary and politicised citation that was introduced at the very last minute that does not belong in a scientific cooperation agreement. The citation refers to a Declaration by the High Representative Federica Mogherini condemning Russia in actions it has taken unilaterally. Whilst the points touched upon by Mogherini in the declaration were valid, the citation referencing it should not belong in a scientific cooperation agreement. We abstained on this file.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this amendment. This was a technical amendment to update the statute of the EIB to reflect an increase in subscribed capital by both Poland and Romania. I therefore voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) technology allows vehicles to interact directly with each other and road infrastructure. The Commission has proposed a delegated act to harmonise EU-wide deployment of C-ITS services. It lays down how C-ITS stations are to be placed on the market and put in service.We voted in favour of the objection to the delegated act as it is not the role of the European Commission to find solutions for the business industry or to push certain technologies onto Member States. It is the role of the Member States to decide how they wish to use C-ITS technology, if at all. It is not the role of a delegated act by the European Commission.

2016/11/22

. – This is a proposal to expand the hugely problematic European Border and Coast Guard agency. Sinn Féin have been consistent in our opposition to the further expansion of this agency. This proposal aims to increase the number of staff of the agency by 10 000, and has earmarked 11.3 billion euros for it between 2021-2027, making it the largest agency in the EU! In addition, this proposal gives executive powers to the agency to initiate operations in Member States without their consent. These extra executive powers come with very little accountability as the agency is opaque by design, which is something we cannot support. Finally, the proposal aims to continue to use the flawed externalisation model that offloads the responsibility of border management to third countries. It is for all of these reasons I voted against this proposal.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this proposal. This is clearly another attempt by the EU to externalise migration and the Member States’ humanitarian obligation to help those who are most vulnerable. Under these proposals, visa successful applications for nationals of third country nationals would be contingent on the individual having valid travel medical insurance which rules out many of those who want to move to a Member State to improve their lives. There is also a critical shortcoming of the file where it recommends third countries, including those with abhorrent human rights records, will have a role in identifying persons who moved to the EU for return to their country of origin. This is an absolutely regressive proposal, I therefore voted against.

2016/11/22

. – Conservation of fishery resources and protection of marine ecosystems through technical measures. This file amalgamates all the existing measures (over 30) relating to technical measures being taken by fishermen in relation to reducing unwanted catches while also protecting juvenile stocks, prohibited species and the marine environment.The measures include specifications for design and use of fishing gears, and measures to minimize the impact of fishing on the marine ecosystem and environment.This file also implements the cessation of Electric pulse fishing after 30 June 2021. It is a new technology we are concerned with, especially around any possible long term impact this method of fishing has on ecosystems and stocks, therefore we support this cessation until reliable scientific evidence emerges that dispels concerns. The file also supports Member States being able to take regionalised measures to manage their sea basins and fisheries through joint recommendations. For these reasons I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report. This proposal will improve the ability of states to tackle financial crimes such as money laundering and tax avoidance by increasing the effectiveness of the already existing cooperation between the relevant authorities in Member States by making relevant information such as bank account details available when necessary as part of criminal investigations.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this file which is on the establishment of a European Cybersecurity Industrial, Technology and Research Competence Centre. The need for Member States to continuously improve cyber security has been made clear by incidents such as the ‘wannacry’ attack which affected over 150 countries. The biggest threat posed by cyber-attacks is from criminal attacks such as ‘wannacry’. Despite this the EU has insisted on including military Cyber capacities in the cyber security regulation this weakens the impact these competence centres will have as the needs of businesses and government infrastructure are best served through a holistic approach to cyber security which builds resilience in systems and networks at the human and technical level, these needs will not be served by allowing the EU budget to be used to finance military cyber technologies.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against the outcome of trilogues on the Connecting Europe Facility, as EU transport & energy funding which should rightfully be used for the benefit of citizens, will now be diverted toward dual use projects to be abused by military forces. Now every project which receives funding can be expected to fulfil military requirements, and create a network for the smooth transportation of troops and weapons across the EU. This fundamentally undermines Ireland’s neutrality - it is unacceptable for transport and energy funding to subsidise the mass weapons industry in Europe. Unfortunately, the CEF will also continue to fund projects which are associated with fossil fuels. Amendments by Sinn Fein MEPs calling for EU transport funding for the Western Rail Corridor, and the west of Ireland that were included in the final Parliament report, were subsequently removed in trilogue negotiations. This further proves that the Irish government, as represented by the Council at trilogue negotiations, has an absolute disregard for the West of Ireland and the infrastructure it needs.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained from this vote. This proposal aims to put measures in place to deal with online material that aims to incite the commission of terrorist offences. While I support removing such content from the internet, there are several problematic aspects to this report. The first is the use of automated filters. Sinn Féin are against the use of upload filters and see them as an attack on freedom of expression.I am also concerned at how the concept of terrorism is defined in this case. I can be defined very broadly, and because it relies on a ‘competent authority’, is open to abuse by Member States. Moreover, there are real concerns at the length of time given to remove terrorist content. The proposals stipulates that content must be removed within 1 hour of its removal being ordered. This would apply universally, even to SMEs, and is completely unrealistic.While there are significant problems with the proposal, I recognise the necessity to combat the proliferation of online material which is geared towards inciting terrorist attacks on innocent civilians. It is for this reason I choose to abstain rather than vote against.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this proposal. This will improve the collection of statistics to take into account recent developments in migration patterns since the regulation was adopted in 2007. Statistics collected will now include a gender aspect, as well as collecting statistics on returns, unaccompanied minors and first-time asylum applications. This will enable more precise data and give a more accurate picture of the implementation of asylum and migration law, as well as monitoring the protection of the fundamental rights of those most vulnerable. We therefore voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour. This is about Parliamentʼs consent to the Geneva Act, which updates the Lisbon Agreement on geographical indications, to allow the EU accede to it. It means that all EU geographical indications can be included on the international register of the World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO) and listed in trade agreements. Member States still determine their list of geographical indications to include in the international register, so their competences are not affected.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour. This is about Parliamentʼs consent to the Geneva Act, which updates the Lisbon Agreement on geographical indications, to allow the EU accede to it. It means that all EU geographical indications can be included in the international register of the World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO) and listed in trade agreements. Member States still determine their list of geographical indications to be included in the international register, so Member State competences are not affected.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this agreement, which furthers the creation of a single liberalised aviation market in the EU. The agreement will do away with the system whereby Member States organise bilateral air transport agreements with the Philippines. As a result of a court ruling in 2003, the EU is able to conclude aviation agreements with third countries. The idea of this proposal is to replace ten existing bilateral agreements with an EU agreement. However, the agreement itself is not available to read.Member States should be allowed to control which third-country airlines fly in their domestic market and conclude bilateral agreements if they wish. We voted against this agreement, as its real aim is to further the creation of a single EU aviation market, so as to promote competitiveness, and the content of the agreement is suspiciously secret and lacking in transparency.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this decision. This International Agreement on Olive Oil and Table Olives is the successor to a 2005 agreement of the same name which aims to foster cooperation and coordination for developing olive growing and encourage research and technology transfer. The agreement, as before, allows the EU to contribute actively with regard to the international cooperation in this sector. We have no reason to object.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this legislation. The numerous scandals revealed over the last years, such as Edward Snowden, LuxLeaks and the Panama Papers, the consequences on the whistle-blowers’ lives. It has demonstrated the necessity to ensure strong protection and safeguards in the EU for ordinary citizens who have revealed illegal practices or abuses of law.The purpose of this Directive is to create a climate of trust that enables whistle-blowers to report observed or suspected breaches of law and threats to the public interest and to enhance the exercise of freedom of expression and the freedom of the media enshrined in Article 11 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.The proposal will guarantee a level of protection for whistle-blowers who report breaches of EU law by setting new EU-wide standards. The new law will also establish safe channels for reporting both within an organisation and to public authorities. In Ireland, we have the Protected Discloses Act so we may be ahead of some other countries on this issue, though we see it as important that such basic rules become commonplace in the whole EU.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this report amending the existing Directive regulating the cross-border distribution of collective investment undertakings. These collective investment undertakings, or mutual funds, are created to pool investors’ capital and to invest that capital collectively through a portfolio of financial instruments. The current UCITS Directive introduced a European retail investment fund product and provides for investor protection, while the AIF Managers Directive (AIFMD) introduced a framework for the authorisation and supervision of managers of alternative funds for professional investors.This proposal is to amend the existing Directive in a way that reduces ‘burdensome’ regulations on marketing and pre-marketing of UCITS funds and AIFs. The proposed Directive aims to deregulate mutual funds as part of the Capital Markets Union and remove restrictions to the free movement of units and shares of collective investment undertakings across the EU. Even though this is not a very substantial proposal, it affects a significant financial sector. We are opposed to the general concept of the Capital Markets Union and have voted against all attempts to remove cross-border barriers to the funds industry and to complex financial products.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained on this Regulation, which amends the existing Regulation regulating the cross-border distribution of collective investment undertakings. These collective investment undertakings, or mutual funds, are created to pool investors’ capital and to invest that capital collectively through a portfolio of financial instruments (stocks, bonds or other securities). This proposal is to amend all of the specific AIF Regulations accompanying the AIFMD, including Regulations on European venture capital funds (EuVECA – Regulation No 345/2013), European social entrepreneurship funds (EuSEF – Regulation No 346/2013), and European Long-Term Investment Funds (ELTIF – Regulation 2015/760), as well as undertakings for collective investment in transferable securities (UCITS).While the accompanying proposed amendments to the UCITS and AIFM Directives aim to remove any barriers to cross-border distribution of mutual funds in the EU, this proposed Regulation is largely focused on setting down rules that funds should adhere to when they are engaging in marketing and pre-marketing funds across borders, including notifying the relevant competent authorities. As a result, we abstained rather than voting against.The outcome is mixed, with some improvement s for financial stability but many missed opportunities where the outcome favours the financial industry.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained on this vote. The Capital Requirements Directive (CRD) and Regulation (CRR) were introduced in response to the financial crisis and resulting bank bailouts. They require banks to set aside a certain amount of their own capital that cannot be used for lending in order to provide a buffer in case of a shock.The revision to the Regulation, called CRR II, implements a new instrument that was agreed at Financial Stability Board called Total Loss Absorbing Capacity (TLAC). TLAC will be binding for global systemic banks (G-SIIs) and aims to facilitate their resolvability in case of failure without taxpayers’ involvement. Banks will need to issue a specific class of debt, which can be bailed-in more easily in case the institute needs to be resolved. The second most substantial requirement introduced by the CRR II is a binding Leverage Ratio, which limits the total balance sheet to the equity a bank is required to hold. We strongly argued this ratio needed to be 5 per cent instead of the Commission’s proposed 3%.The outcome is mixed, with some improvement s for financial stability but many missed opportunities where the outcome favours the financial industry.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained on this vote to revise the Capital Requirements Directive (CRD). It requires banks to set aside a certain amount of their own capital that cannot be used for lending in order to provide a buffer in case of a shock.The revision to CRD updates the list of entities that can be exempted from capital requirements. It removes certain national discretions with regard to capital requirements and introduces a new concept called capital guidance. It streamlines reporting requirements for banks. Partly due to Brexit, it requires from third country subsidiaries that operate in different EU Member States to set up an intermediate parent undertaking company in the EU. Remuneration and governance rules are being revised to make them more enforceablePositive outcomes include new anti-money laundering provisions and restrictions on pay and dividends in case of breaches of the capital requirements. The Council’s attempts to introduce new loopholes for bankers’ bonus caps were defeated. But these are not significant enough to warrant voting in favour, when this revision should have been used as an opportunity to force banks to hold enough capital that would make their activities safer for the economy and society.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained on this proposal, part of the banking package proposed by the Commission in November 2016. It is the less substantial proposal in the broader package aiming to amend the Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive (BRRD) (from 2014), which was set up supposedly to prevent future taxpayer funded bailouts being necessary. It is a single vote, the outcome of trilogues.This proposal amends the existing Single Resolution Mechanism Regulation (SRMR), which was adopted in 2014 and basically applies the same amendments to the BRRD to other non-bank credit institutions and investment firms. The BRRD amendment provides new powers to the Single Resolution Board that is responsible for resolution planning of the largest EU banks (banks under the direct supervision of the SSM and all cross-border groups); this file is a technical adaptation to the changes that are proposed to the BRRD. As we are abstaining on the more substantial part of the package, we are abstaining on this proposal also.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained on this proposal, part of the broader banking package aiming to amend the Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive (from 2014), which was set up supposedly to prevent future taxpayer funded bailouts being necessary. This proposal amends the existing BRRD which was transposed by Member States by the end of 2014. It was supposed to ensure no future taxpayer funded bailouts in the EU but has already proven to be full of loopholes.The main BRRD tool to avoid bailouts in the case of resolution is the bail-in tool. Under the current BRRD at least 8% of all liabilities need to be bailed-in before any assistance from the Single Resolution Fund can be provided. The current proposal tries to change this by requiring that a certain amount of liabilities that banks issue (‘minimum requirements for eligible liabilities and own funds’ – MREL) is subordinated to all other liabilities.I am in principle against these tools and would have preferred to increase simply the core equity requirements of banks (through a higher leverage ratio) instead of introducing rather complex new instruments (MREL and TLAC). The package does not sufficiently ensure financial stability so we abstained.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this proposal to create sovereign bond—backed securities (SBBS). SBBS aim to provide a broader set of so—called ‘safe assets’ in order to encourage banks to diversify their portfolio. SBBS will be a new class of securities backed by a diversified pool of national government bonds. With SBBS the sovereign bank nexus (domestic banks holding mainly sovereign bonds of their home country) is meant to be reduced as banks should diversify their portfolio of sovereign bonds. Some see the proposal as a first step towards debt mutualisation, based on a concept developed by economists in 2011 called European safe bonds (ESBies). The current proposal does however not entail joint liability among Member States nor joint issuance.It does, however, promote the same securitised instruments behind the last financial crisis, and serious economists have expressed extreme doubts that it will achieve its stated aim of reducing the sovereign-bank nexus (the ‘doom loop’). It is linked to the ECB capital key, which is politicised and benefits the northern countries, and in times of crisis it is unlikely that SBBS will remain a safe asset.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on this proposal to grant further powers to the European Supervisor Authorities to accompany the deepening of the Capital Markets Union (CMU). I am in favour of strengthening the powers of the ESAs; however, heavy lobbying by the Council and the financial lobby resulted in a weaker than ideal outcome.The expansion of powers of the EU’s supervisory authorities to accompany the deepening of the CMU is absolutely necessary. Many Member States in the Council were opposed to granting new powers to the ESAs, particularly Ireland, Luxembourg, Denmark and Sweden. In the case of Ireland and Luxembourg, the opposition was based largely on the fact that their massive funds industry thrives on light-touch or no regulation at all. It is this secrecy and lack of supervision that allows the mis-selling of financial products and money-laundering to thrive.I welcome the boost in powers for the ESAs, but the outcome of the negotiations is far from ideal and could have been much more ambitious. We don’t just need to increase supervision; we need to reduce the massive volume of trade of complex financial products that takes place in the shadows, threatening the stability of our entire economy.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report. The directive and regulation on the supervision of investment firms were negotiated as a package. There were several positive and negative elements included. My view is that the negative aspects outweigh the positives, which justifies a vote against.Some of the positives included: the European Banking Authority was tasked with producing a report on ESG risks and may issue guidelines based on the findings of the report; a reference to gender-neutral remuneration policy was retained; and there was no variable remuneration (bonuses) allowed for firms that benefited from extraordinary public support.The main negative points relate to remuneration. Council wanted a bonus cap, but it was removed in the trilogues; Member States can impose one if they want. Another negative is that the rules on pay deferral introduced by the Parliament were watered down. This package will do very little to rein in the risky behaviour of major investors, so I voted against.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report. The directive and regulation on the supervision of investment firms were negotiated as a package. There were several positive and negative elements included. My view is that the negative aspects outweigh the positives, which justifies a vote against.Some of the positives included: the EBA was tasked with producing a report on ESG risks and may issue guidelines based on the findings of the report; a reference to gender-neutral remuneration policy was retained; and there was no variable remuneration (bonuses) allowed for firms that benefited from extraordinary public support.The main negative points relate to remuneration. Council wanted a bonus cap, but it was removed in trilogues; Member States can impose one if they want. Another negative is that the rules on pay deferral introduced by the Parliament were watered down. This package will do very little to rein in the risky behaviour of major investors, so I voted against.

2016/11/22

. – The objective of this report is to promote secure and predictable employment, improving living and working conditions, providing workers’ access to information on working conditions, and improving working conditions for all workers – notably those in new and non-standard employment. This is particularly important in light of the rapid growth of unpredictable, non—standard, ‘flexible’, on-demand (zero-hour) and other forms of precarious work. Ensuring all workers, regardless of working conditions, have access to information about their labour relationship, remuneration and basic rights and obligations is vital.Unfortunately, while the committee’s text was quite progressive, the outcome from trilogue negotiations removed most of the good elements, including an inclusive definition of ‘worker’ and the definitions around working time, meaning precarious and the bogus self-employed could fall outside of the scope. Numerous exceptions have been inserted, including emergency services (firemen, police, armed forces) and public servants, and workers won’t be required to receive global information on their working conditions, in writing, at the moment the work relation begins. Nonetheless, there are still some increased protections for workers. Given the mixed outcome, and the fact we were prevented from voting on amendments to improve the text, I abstained on the final vote.

2016/11/22

. – The European Labour Authority (ELA) is a new agency to support the application and enforcement of EU law in labour mobility and social security coordination. For years, complaints have been raised regarding national authorities’ non-compliance or divergent application of the rules regulating the free movement of workers, resulting in discriminating practices, and ELA is supposed to help eliminate these.From the outset, however, the focus of the ELA has been on increasing labour mobility, rather than tackling abuses. Proposals to give ELA stronger powers were also defeated, leaving it as largely just a facilitator between national authorities. It is unclear what real added value ELA actually brings that isn’t already present elsewhere. Another major problem is that the social partners (e.g. trade unions) have been almost entirely excluded from the management of ELA (contrast this with all other labour agencies, which have a full tripartite structure with social partner representation from each Member State, with voting rights). ELA could play a positive (if somewhat limited) role in fighting social dumping and facilitating greater worker rights in cross-border situations, but the final outcome is highly unsatisfactory. I therefore abstained on the vote.

2016/11/22

. – This file amalgamates all the existing measures (over 30) relating to technical measures being taken by fishermen in relation to reducing unwanted catches while also protecting juvenile stocks, prohibited species and the marine environment. The measures include specifications for design and use of fishing gears, and measures to minimise the impact of fishing on the marine ecosystem and environment.This file also implements the cessation of electric pulse fishing after 30 June 2021. It is a new technology we are concerned with, especially around any possible long—term impact this method of fishing has on ecosystems and stocks, therefore we support this cessation until reliable scientific evidence emerges that dispels concerns. The file also supports Member States being able to take regionalised measures to manage their sea basins and fisheries through joint recommendations. For these reasons, I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained on this report. This proposal is for a new framework regulation (FRIBS), which aims to integrate statistical requirements and legal acts for business statistics by streamlining and simplifying them.We had an issue with the negotiated text, as ‘working conditions’ were mentioned merely in the context of requirements for ‘the coordination of economic policies within the Union and the euro area and the provision of information to economic agents within the single market’ as opposed to coordination for the purpose of addressing and improving workers’ rights and conditions.However, we did not vote against the proposal as the report references some positive points, with recitals supporting the introduction of harmonised statistics regarding climate change and resource efficiency, and European statistics relating to persons and households, to contribute to achieving the targets of the European Pillar of Social Rights.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this proposal because Sinn Féin opposes the creation of a European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) as it would constitute a greater centralisation of judicial autonomy in the EU at the expense of Member States’ judicial structures. We are concerned that the revision of the OLAF Regulation, in order to adapt the functioning of the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) to the establishment of the EPPO, as provided for in this proposal, will undermine OLAF’s independence. Furthermore, the report fails to address adequately the EPPO’s impact on OLAF in terms of the knock-on effect for non-participating Member States such as Ireland. For these reasons, we voted against the proposal.

2016/11/22

. – This proposal addresses the provision of financial support for improving IT systems used for customs controls. However, the proposal supports dual operability, which raises a number of questions and concerns. It also supports a significant increase in the EU budget being sought for this programme, entailing an increase of Member State contributions to 1.3% of GDP under the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), which is an unacceptable increase in the cost to the Irish taxpayer. We voted against.

2016/11/22

. – The general objective of the new programme is to support the customs union and customs authorities. However, the budget recommended for its financial envelope is EUR 843 million for the new 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework, up from EUR 536 million in the current (2014-2020) MFF. The proposal also supports raising the MFF to 1.3% of GDP. Given the cost to the Irish taxpayer that this entails, combined with the fact that the programme will not be used to cover costs relating to Brexit, we could not support it.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this technical proposal, which will close existing gaps to reduce the possibility of accessing potentially dangerous substances such as hydrogen peroxide and nitric acid. The proposal respects subsidiarity, as Member States can still chose to grant controlled access to these substances for legitimate and intended use through national licensing.

2016/11/22

. – This proposed regulation establishes a common, flexible framework for the collection of European statistics relating to persons and households (IESS), based on data at individual level collected from samples, and encompassing seven surveys currently carried out by the European Statistical System (ESS).While social and employment goals have some prominence in the EU agenda, the social statistics on persons and households – which are fundamental to developing and monitoring appropriate policies in this field – are still collected on the basis of numerous separate field-specific regulations. This regulation will help make the data collection more efficient and the statistical output more relevant, in order to support policy making in general and social policy in particular.Overall, this final text represents an improvement on the original Commission proposal, and presents a more coherent framework for data collection across EU Member States. We therefore voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – Ostensibly intended to help authorities combat terrorism or identity fraud, this proposal is a further unnecessary, disproportionate and frightening expansion of EU data-trawling systems, and a dangerous attack on privacy and fundamental rights. It is a disturbing case of creating an Orwellian mass-surveillance mechanism, capturing private data not only of third-country nationals but also of EU Member States’ citizens.The European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS), the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, and the Article 29 Working Group (now the European Data Protection Board) have expressed serious concerns about the scope and action of this proposal, which have been ignored. It does away with several vital data-protection and privacy safeguards, and blurs the boundaries between terrorists, criminals and foreigners by creating a mega-database on millions of people, easily searchable by local authorities and easily open to abuse.The European Parliament had advocated a ‘cascade’ approach, whereby a check by police or at a border would be done only in national databases in the first instance, and other databases would be accessed only where there was a specific need to do so. This approach was rejected, and the result is a massive, unjustifiable data-trawling operation. We therefore voted against the proposal.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this proposal. This recast of the role of the European Network of Immigration Officers is essentially another attempt by the Commission to externalise migration policy as throughout the body of this text, it strengthens the role of ‘returns’ as a main policy instrument to reduce the number of people fleeing persecution to the EU. Any positive efforts to protect the fundamental rights of migrants and refugees were removed by the European Council at negotiations. This is an incredibly regressive proposal, I therefore voted against.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this proposal. This proposal would place additional compulsory requirements on vehicles manufactured in the EU. This report would enforce all new cars to have additional compulsory technologies, such as an event (accident) data recorder, and additional technologies to monitor the actions of the driver. This proposal is backed up by the car manufacturing industry, who welcome that this legislation will hike up the price of cars. Owning a car and motor insurance is already extremely expensive in Ireland, and this technology will further add to the cost. Unfortunately due to the lack of public transport in rural regions, many people have no alternative to car transport. The fact that it will not be possible to turn off the event data recorder raises serious concerns regarding the use of the data collected. I am not satisfied that this legislation would sufficiently safeguard this data. Such data in the hands of car manufacturers could be manipulated and used for business and marketing purposes.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this immunity waiver, which concerned Greek Golden Dawn MEP Georgios Epitideios. The case concerns the joint violation of a court ruling handed down against him and two other MEPs. In 2015, an Athens court issued an order requiring the removal of cameras from the ground floor of the building where their offices are located. The order also required them to remove two 3 x 5 metre banners, one with a campaign slogan on it. The case had originally been brought by the occupants of the building in line with their rights as residents.Hearings with the MEPs and relevant representatives from Greece did not find any motive of political interference in the case and confirmed the findings of the investigators. We therefore voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this immunity waiver, which concerned Greek Golden Dawn MEP Lampros Fountoulis. The case concerns the joint violation of a court ruling handed down against him and two other MEPs. In 2015, an Athens court issued an order requiring the removal of cameras from the ground floor of the building where their offices are located. The order also required them to remove two 3 x 5metre banners, one with a campaign slogan on it. The case had originally been brought by the occupants of the building in line with their rights as residents.Hearings with the MEPs and relevant representatives from Greece did not find any motive of political interference in the case and confirmed the findings of the investigators. We therefore voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this immunity waiver, which concerned Greek Golden Dawn MEP Eleftherios Synadinos. The case concerns the joint violation of a court ruling handed down against him and two other MEPs. In 2015, an Athens court issued an order requiring the removal of cameras from the ground floor of the building where their offices are located. The order also required them to remove two 3 x 5metre banners, one with a campaign slogan on it. The case had originally been brought by the occupants of the building in line with their rights as residents.Hearings with the MEPs and relevant representatives from Greece did not find any motive of political interference in the case and confirmed the findings of the investigators. We therefore voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report. Throughout the inter-institutional negotiations, Sinn Féin highlighted the absolute requirement to have a visa regime in place for British citizens, including those who identify as such in the north of Ireland, in a Brexit no-deal scenario. This proposal will ensure that British citizens in the North will not require a visa when travelling to the EU. Sinn Féin argued that this matter was too important to be rejected on account of the description of Gibraltar as a colony, and we supported initial efforts by the European Parliament to find alternative language with a view to reaching a swift agreement, but this was not possible and the report was in danger of falling. It is disappointing that neither of the unionist MEPs voted, given that, if the report failed to pass, its failure would contribute to a further hardening of the border and be to the detriment of thousands of citizens in the north of Ireland. We therefore voted in favour of the report.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against. This Commission proposal suggests maintaining the 2018 guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States for 2019. The Employment Committee accepted this recommendation, without seeking amendments. The 2018 guidelines contained a nice enough wish-list of recommendations such as adapted workplaces for people with disabilities, wage transparency, access to healthcare and education, and a number of other reforms.However, these suggestions are all firmly couched in terms of structural reforms and competitiveness, deregulation, raising pension ages, and so on. Any goodwill the guidelines might contain is therefore severely constrained by the austerity objectives favoured by the European Semester, making them incoherent at best.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this motion for a resolution, which was drafted by the Petitions Committee (PETI) in response to having received more than 60 petitions raising concerns about waste management across the EU, in particular from Belgium, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Spain and the United Kingdom.The resolution, among other points, acknowledges the numerous petitions submitted on the failure of Member States to implement waste legislation, which leads to various health and environmental problems. The resolution also supports funds being directed towards prevention, reuse, separate collection and recycling plans and projects. The final text could have been more ambitious and does not add much to the adopted legislation on the matter, but it still remains positive, so we voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report. Due to the highly mobile nature of drivers in the road transport sector, applying posting can impose particular administrative burden and difficulties for Irish hauliers. A shorter posting period would disproportionately affect Irish hauliers who need to travel through many countries in order to reach central Europe, due to Ireland’s peripheral location.The measures adopted in this report would particularly affect Irish hauliers and those operating in peripheral Member States. I believe that national legislation often deals best in preventing letterbox companies that operate to undermine social conditions in central Member States, rather than a one-fit-all EU-wide approach.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report. The file forbids drivers from having flexibility about where they can sleep, and would ban parking areas, which do have the required facilities for drivers from being used during rest periods. The file did not set out a legislative framework that would fit all Member States or address the infrastructural differences in Member States. The report ultimately designates the European Commission as the authority to oversee driving and rest times in the road haulage sector, and removes powers from individual Member States.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report. This regulation aims to limit how long cabotage operations can take place in a host Member State and to establish a cooling—off period until the next cabotage operation takes place in the same host Member State.The measures adopted do not acknowledge the time required for peripheral Member States to carry out international transport and cabotage operations. The long cooling—off period from carrying out the next cabotage operation will negatively affect Irish hauliers, who operate on a North-South basis.The restrictions on cabotage operations, coupled with the threat of Brexit, causes difficulties for Irish hauliers.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this proposal because it represents the Commission expanding its control over the internal gas market to cover aspects of the gas network in third countries. While certain third countries have state-led companies that may not represent the type of state-led investment we would support, we oppose the expansion of regulations that are designed to push a liberalised economic model on third countries. This is essentially an attempt by the Commission to further its vision for energy security by reducing the involvement of state-controlled operators by not allowing the same company to both transmit and distribute gas.

2016/11/22

. – This report is one of the most significant proposals to come from the Committee on Fisheries (PECH Committee) in this parliamentary term. It establishes the new European Maritime Fisheries Fund (EMFF) and its intended budget for 2021-2027, given that the existing EMFF concludes next year.The sector in Ireland has an estimated 2 017 registered fishing vessels, 285 aquaculture production units and 163 seafood processors. There are 14 638 people working in the sector around the Irish coast, in direct and indirect employment, and the Irish seafood industry contributed EUR 1.15 billion to the national gross domestic product, Ireland’s exports being worth EUR 66 million. The new EMFF will indeed bolster these businesses.Many of Sinn Féin’s amendments, to grant compensation for fishermen for dangerous sea conditions, to support investments to improve health and safety on board vessels and to provide special funding for the Irish islands, were passed, along with support for actions and measures to rid seas and oceans of all types of waste and to support the protection and restoration of marine and coastal biodiversity and ecosystems under the new EMFF. As the diversification of this fund is important for Ireland, we voted in favour of the report.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained in this vote. Excluding the current quota system is an ideal scenario for many fishermen but the Mediterranean Sea is one of the most vulnerable and overfished waters in Europe. Excluding such a system in the Mediterranean creates an unfair situation for fishermen in Ireland who have to abide by quotas for setting fishing opportunities.We consider it positive that the Committee mandate and the trilogue outcome ensure that fishing resources are conserved in a way that fits with the socioeconomic realities of the fleets by adapting the fishing effort regime accordingly, but this fact was not sufficient to warrant a vote in favour.

2016/11/22

. – This report proposed the harmonisation of the security of national ID cards. There were several problems with this proposal, but some of the most important issues were around the possibility that children aged between 6 and 12 could be fingerprinted, while for children over the age of 12 it would be mandatory. While the collection of biometric data of young children is deplorable, there was a late change in the proposal to allow Member States to use that data for purposes outside of making ID cards. This widespread collection of biometric data is wide open to potential abuse by Member States and is a breach of privacy and data protection. Therefore, I had to vote against this proposal.

2016/11/22

. – The stated objective of the legislative proposal is to improve road infrastructure safety management. The proposed revision of the existing legislation proposed to extend the scope of the Directive beyond the trans-European transport network (TEN-T) to motorways and primary roads outside the network as well as all roads outside urban areas that are built using EU funds.This report will enable the Commission to establish common European standards for road markings and road signs by 2020 and methodological guidelines for network-wide road assessments and inspections of high-risk sections. It also makes it possible for road users to voluntarily report on their road safety concerns to ease the identification of potential hazards to road safety.I voted against this report as managing road safety is an issue which can be handled competently at national state level, and the Commission having the power to direct the road signs of Member States is just an unnecessary power grab aimed at creating a single European transport area.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report. The pan-European personal pension product report aims to create a new product that will facilitate the privatisation of public pensions and create new opportunities for profiting from them for investors as part of the capital markets union. It also lacks a capital guarantee which means that in a worst-case scenario a person could end up contributing more to their pension through personal savings in their work life than they ever end up receiving. I voted in favour of an amendment from GUE/NGL rejecting the Commission proposal, and against the outcome of trilogues.

2016/11/22

. – This legislation is meant to introduce, or reinforce, measures to address the under-representation of women in employment - and thus the gender pay gap, the gender pension gap, and the higher risk of female poverty, and so on - by setting minimum standards for parental, paternity and carers’ leave.We welcomed the directive, although remain critical of the exclusion of maternity leave, which would result in a more global and coherent approach. This text, which is the outcome of trilogue negotiations, improves slightly on the current situation, but it is a very long way from the Parliament’s original position, which was much more progressive.Attempts to strengthen the text in several ways, by seeking higher payment rates for all types of leave, ensuring a 4-month non-transferrable period for paternity leave, and increasing carers’ leave to 12 days per year, failed, and the Council continued to play a negative blocking role throughout negotiations.However, the outcome contains a non-regression clause to prevent more progressive leave policies in some Member States from being scaled back to these minimum standards, and the final text is a modest improvement on the status quo. We therefore voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this file because it gives the Commission power to effectively sanction Member States based on ill-defined criteria on sensitive constitutional issues related to the rule-of-law. It lacks a sufficiently precise criteria and corresponding measures in order to ensure politically neutral application. The text also goes beyond the initial scope of judicial independence to cover any financial risks to the EU budget, including the proper functioning of the market economy, thereby respecting competition and market forces in the Union.

2016/11/22

. – The European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) is the most important fund for employment and social inclusion policies. This vote is on the same text that we supported in plenary in January, and is simply to adopt Parliament’s first reading of the report.The report itself improves the Commission’s proposed text on several key issues, putting a stronger focus on social inclusion, inclusion of migrants, eradication of poverty (particularly child poverty), quality—job creation and high—quality working conditions. It includes higher co-financing rates, which will help frontload programmes in Member States; it focusses strongly on shared management, meaning Member States are responsible for implementing programmes at national level, rather than the Commission; and there is a stronger inclusion of social partners and civil society in cross-border partnerships.Unfortunately, the report does not challenge the link to InvestEU or the European Semester, but this is more connected to social reforms and social scoreboard indicators than economic reforms. Despite these issues, the report is an improvement on the Commission proposal and the status quo. We therefore voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report, a technical file outlining the arrangements for computerising the movement and surveillance of excise duty on excise goods. It is a technical addition to a proposed directive laying down the general arrangement for excise duty as regards the automation of the procedure for movements of excise goods which have been released for consumption in the territory of one Member State and that are moved to the territory of another Member State in order to be delivered for commercial purposes.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report. The availability of high quality public data such as maps, statistics, and legal data is a valuable resource for the development of the digital economy, particularly the production of data based services. This review of existing EU legislation on the use of public data will allow for more efficient uses of public data, while protecting sensitive data related to public enterprises.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this recovery plan as the status of Mediterranean swordfish has been seriously overfished for decades, and the high proportion of juvenile swordfish being caught in fishing nets and the long term impact this has on the stock´s numbers will be detrimental unless such a plan is implemented.The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna (ICCAT), which is an inter-governmental fishery organisation responsible for the conservation of tunas, has the authority to adopt compulsory decisions (‘Recommendations’) for fisheries conservation and management in its area of competence. These acts are binding for the contracting parties, as the EU is a member, these recommendations must be enacted into EU law as soon as possible.The purpose of this recovery plan is to transpose ICCAT Recommendations into EU law to allow the Union to comply with its international obligations and to provide operators with legal certainty, regarding rules and obligations. This Recommendation defines a 15-year recovery plan, which I can support.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report on the minimum level of training for seafarers. The proposal aims to simplify the framework on seafarers’ training and certification to keep the EU rules aligned with the international framework (STCW Convention), to increase effectiveness in the recognition of the training systems and certificates of third countries, and to increase legal clarity regarding the mutual recognition of seafarers’ certificates issued by Member States. The file will make it easier to recognise the qualifications of seafarers.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report and the European Commission’s proposal to lower the threshold for annual rates of pre-financing to 1%. It is clear that reducing this threshold to the absolute bare minimum will strip operational programmes that are starting up of resources and negatively affect these programmes in their implementation. This has the potential to reduce the quality of the work the projects perform and add unnecessary delays to the completion of the project. The approach of the European Commission and the right wing of the European Parliament has only evaluated these projects in terms of their costs, rather than being concerned about the actual operation and benefits such projects bring. I therefore voted against.

2016/11/22

. – The Commission proposed to extend the period of time it allowed Member States to erect internal borders by amending the relevant articles within the Schengen Borders Code. While we recognise the strong concerns Member States may have around issues like security and secondary migration, we do not agree that Member States should be allowed to flout the current provision of the SBC or to completely disregard the current legal framework. While there will be amendments to articles within the SBC, the amendments will put additional measures in place to ensure that Member States do not abuse a loophole within the regulation to keep internal border checks in perpetuity. This report stipulates that internal borders can be erected in extenuating circumstances, but these will not last longer than one year. Furthermore, states were switching between different extenuating circumstances to keep the checks there indefinitely; this report closes that loophole. Freedom of movement is one of the positive attributes of the EU, and it should be protected. Therefore, we voted in favour of this report.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this resolution calling for the Court of Justice of the European Union to decide on the validity of the procedure the European Council has adopted for the signing of the Istanbul Convention. In May 2017, the Council adopted a decision on the signing of the Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence. Among other protections, this Convention recognises violence against women as a human rights violation. Accession has been blocked in Council, with some Member States arguing that the convention puts forward a ‘gender ideology’ among other misogynistic attempts to narrow and block negotiations. In order to move forward, the Council decided to split the accession instruments in two. Splitting accession instruments like this not only reduces overall protection – since legal documents should always be read as a whole for interpretive purposes – but it also creates the possibility that one half may continue to be blocked going forward. Sinn Féin believes that this Convention must be signed and ratified without undue delay and without reducing the overall protections it offers. We therefore voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this report, which was an own—initiative report to state the Parliament’s position in response to a recommendation from the Commission on the tax treatment of pan—European personal pension product (PEPPs). Parliament’s report in response to the Commission proposal calls on Member States to provide tax incentives for PEPPs including for people who have accrued their PEPP in one Member State and then moved to another. As we are opposed to the underlying instrument, and tax harmonisation in general, we voted against.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of the proposal to amend the regulation on third countries whose nationals need a visa to enter the EU, specifically in relation to Kosovo. From 2012, they have been required to reach 95 benchmarks set out by the Commission, and they have met these requirements. It is a positive proposal that progresses the issue of visa liberalisation to end the isolation of Kosovo, as the EU has done already for other states and regions in the Western Balkans. Visa liberalisation will undermine the ability of criminals profiting from irregular immigration, but also mitigates feelings of isolation and second-class citizenship among Kosovar people, and keeps alive their hopes of accession to the EU. For these reasons we voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against the closure of first reading of this report. This is the Directive is where the Commission chose to address the Right2Water petition, which made very clear and straightforward demands on the human right to water. Interinstitutional negotiations did not take place because the Council was slow in reaching its general approach so MEPs were asked to lock in this report for the next term, or else it would lapse.The Directive itself is a technical one that deals with the parameters for chemicals and microbiological substances in the drinking water. Regarding the technical aspects, we welcome the new risk management approach and the revision of the parameters. However, we favour stricter parameters for PFAS and lead among others, and better control systems for emerging substances of concern. The Parliament significantly weakened the already poor provisions from the Commission’s proposal on access to water and so we cannot endorse this report as the legislative answer to the Right2Water petition. We prefer that this report lapses and that we start afresh with better provisions on the human right to water.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained on this report on the outcome of interinstitutional negotiations on a proposal relating to business insolvency including its impact on workers. The report is not related to personal insolvency. We am not in favour of the EU-wide harmonisation of insolvency law relating to either personal or company insolvency. This proposal was not aimed at harmonising the different insolvency frameworks in the Member States. It aimed instead to lay down some minimum standards on issues such as the possible length of insolvency procedures and safeguards to avoid damaging the rights of affected parties, including workers. The Parliament’s position was quite strong on minimum standards for workers affected by companies entering into insolvency but the Council watered this down significantly in negotiations. We did not vote in favour of the outcome of negotiations because the Parliament’s position was far better. However, on the basis that the agreement provides some new, albeit limited, protections for workers we abstained.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report which is aimed at reducing instances of geo-blocking on online transmissions in the EU. the main objective is to extend the country of origin principle in place for linear content (TV channels) to non-linear (on-demand services such as iPlayer and Netflix, TV catch up/replay, podcasts and webcasting). This means that instead of broadcasters obtaining authorisation in the territories of right-holders, they do so in their country-of-origin. In order to make this possible and ensure that there is still a clearing process for licences, rights are to be managed by collective rights management societies, which are the norm for the linear sector as well as the music sector. Reducing geo-blocking is important to ensure access to content for those speaking minority language, and has particular importance for the island of Ireland. We are hugely disappointed that Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil’s political groups reduced the scope of this Directive so that it now only applies to news and current affairs shows, meaning geo-blocking will still apply for 80% of broadcasts.

2016/11/22

. – Creative Europe is the European Commission’s framework programme for support to the culture and audio-visual sectors. The programme was approved by the European Parliament on November 2013 and adopted by the EU Council on December 2013. It came into force on 1 January 2014. It took over from the previous Culture Programme and MEDIA programme. The main objective of Creative Europe is to safeguard, develop and promote European cultural and linguistic diversity and to promote Europe’s cultural heritage.This report will make up the 2021-27 programme.The report itself is quite positive, supports increased and easier mobility for artists and performers, increased funding for audio-visual works and therefore we voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report. Erasmus is likely the best known EU programme with more than nine million people have taken part in the programme over the last 30 years alone. The programme currently covers 33 countries and is open to partner countries across the world.Among some of the new proposals is increased financial support for actions dealing with vocational training and adult educationA new Chapter dedicated to the participation of people with fewer opportunities, people with disabilities and special needs.Projects financed under Erasmus + should serve the goals of the Paris agreement on climate change.Special support is also given to language training and e-learning opportunities and therefore, we voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained on this report, the most important proposal as part of the ‘sustainable finance’ package aimed at diverting investment away from fossil fuels. This ‘taxonomy’ report defines the technical detail of a financial product or practice that can be defined as ‘sustainable’ or not, and as meeting environmental, social and governance objectives or not. It is a vitally important proposal but was significantly weakened at committee level by the EPP, ECR and ALDE.The right-wing groups ensured that the final text does not include criteria for economic activities with a negative environmental impact, which is key if we are to have fully informed investors and promote the capital shift. No disclosure requirements are included for investee companies, and the text does not include an ambitious review clause, covering other sustainability objectives, in particular social objectives. While we strongly support the proposal to rank all economic activities by their environmental performance and believe this proposal was a crucial opportunity for us to do so, we did not vote in favour of the report due to the damaging influence of the right-wing groups, who dramatically weakened its potential. This was a missed opportunity to shift finance away from fossil fuels.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against the report on Parliament’s budget for 2020 due to the fact that it is not sufficiently critical of overall increase in the proposed budget. While we welcome the ongoing progress in terms of reducing the budget as a percentage of Heading V, the expenditure continues to rise. We recognise that the main cause of the expenditure increase is the result of two thirds of the expenditures in the budget estimates being index-bound and therefore adjusted according to staff regulations, statue for members, sector specific indexation or inflation. Despite this, we believe that the report should criticise the role high wages in driving up costs and highlight the burden they place on the budget of the Parliament.

2016/11/22

. – This joint motion for resolution constitutes further open interference in Venezuela’s political institutions and brazen disregard for international law. The resolution recognises Juan Guaidó as ‘interim president’ of Venezuela, accuses elected President Nicolás Maduro of ‘usurping’ power, calls on all EU Member States to recognise Guaidó, and his representatives, and calls for further sanctions, which can only harm the Venezuelan economy and people.Only the Venezuelan people can decide their President, and that can only be done by presidential elections. Nicolás Maduro was democratically re-elected by the Venezuelan people in May 2018 and will serve his second term from 2019-2025. Regrettably the main opposition group refused to participate in this election and to democratically put their political programme to the people. Declaring Guaidó ‘president’ of Venezuela is an attack on democracy and amounts to recognition of an undemocratic coup.This is a particularly difficult and challenging period for the citizens of Venezuela and there is currently deep political polarisation. Venezuela’s current difficulties are best addressed and resolved through peaceful dialogue, such as that proposed by Mexico and Uruguay. Resolutions like this only further add to the instability, and deepen the crisis, in Venezuela. I therefore voted against this resolution.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on this resolution, which is the outcome of work done by the Rule of Law Monitoring Group (ROLMG) since June 2018. The ROLMG is a working group attached to LIBE. It has a general mandate to monitor rule of law and fight corruption within the EU, with a specific focus on Malta and Slovakia. It was set up following the murders of journalists Daphne Caruana Galizia in Malta and Ján Kuciak and his partner Martina Kušnírová.I fully support the calls for Malta and Slovakia to ensure independent investigations into these murders and that the rule of law is upheld, including through the independence of the judiciary in their respective states. However, several aspects of the resolution infringed on the national sovereignty of Member States, including a demand that Malta undertake constitutional reforms. There was also a call to increase Europol’s budget, which I oppose. The resolution called on Europol and Frontex to conduct a threat assessment of the consequences of EU investor citizenship and residence schemes, and I do not believe these agencies are the appropriate bodies to carry out such an assessment. As a result of these concerns I did not vote in favour but abstained.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this joint motion for a resolution, which was signed by all political groups with the exception of the conservatives (PPE and ECR). The resolution highlights the lack of engagement by the Council and Member States in open procedures following the Dieselgate scandal and condemns the obstructive behaviour from the Commission on access to information. It also calls on the Commission, the Council and the Member States to commit to work on pending actions on open cases.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report. The Commission is proposing to create a so called European peace facility to fund EU military missions from 2021 to 2027. All Member States would have to contribute to this fund regardless of whether or not they participate in EU military missions.This proposal is an effort by the EU to increase its role as a military force and to undermine Member State control over defence policy by increasing the ease with which the EU can deploy troops on military missions.Alongside the increased military cooperation that the EU has introduced through PESCO, and the proposed EUR 13 billion EU defence fund for the development of military hardware, this proposed peace fund is part of the EU’s militarisation agenda.

2016/11/22

. – The Youth Employment Initiative supports young people who are not in education, employment or training, including the long-term unemployed and those not registered as job-seekers. It ensures that, in those parts of Europe facing the greatest challenges, young people can receive targeted support. Generally, the YEI funds the provision of apprenticeships, traineeships, job placements and further education courses leading to a qualification.This is a report on the Commission proposal to increase funding to the YEI, but needs to amend the Common Provisions Regulation (CPR) first. This is a positive move, therefore I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report, which is a simple technical measure to update the process for calculating excise duty for import and export of goods that are subject to excise duty. The ECON committee adopted the Commission proposal without amendment.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of the continuation of this exemption. This will update the list of products of which the French overseas territories can apply docking fees. This means that these territories can apply a tax to imports arriving from the EU. Normally this would be contrary to the single market but an exception is necessary to protect indigenous industry. The outmost regions of the EU, such as Guadeloupe and Réunion, face many challenges. These include the small size of local market, access to raw materials and energy and transport time of raw materials. As a result, industry is small and unemployment is very high.Without the ability to tax imports, local industry would collapse completely, as they could never compete with the ability of larger countries to produce and ship products at a very cheap price. I hope the continuation of these measures will go some way to ensuring a viable economic future for these territories.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report on the European Commission’s proposal to create a new financial instrument for EU external action in the next EU budget. This proposal would combine existing development and aid funding instruments into one single financial instrument with less democratic oversight of how Member States contributions are spent.The proposed instrument would also allow the EU to use money from development funds to support military spending projects. This will weaken development projects and endanger stability in the developing world. Sinn Fein oppose any efforts to use EU funds to finance military projects either within or outside the EU.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on this vote. Pre-accession aid has been used to finance many important projects in areas such as legal and political reforms in candidate countries for EU membership. However as part of the next budget, the European Commission is proposing that pre accession aid be managed by the EU’s external action service. This will mean that pre-accession aid will no longer just be used to assist countries who want to meet the criteria for EU membership, but would also be awarded with the EU’s broader foreign policy strategies in mind.Aid to prospective Member States should not designed with strategic foreign policy goals in mind, which could undermine the ability of pre-accession aid serving its purpose of ensuring that candidate countries meet the cohesion criteria for EU membership.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on this report on a common EU framework for the resolution of central counterparties (CCPs), which carry out ‘clearing’ between trading parties, especially in the derivatives market. The report includes several positives that aim to enhance financial stability. There is agreement that the losses in case of collapse will be borne by the CCP sector. It clarifies when the competent authorities can intervene, and how, to recover or resolve a CCP. It states that stress tests of the CCPs must be held regularly, though the majority rejected the proposal from the rapporteur to have common EU supervision for CCPs.While I support the principle of establishing a framework to resolve CCPs in a way that limits their potential collapse from causing a broader financial collapse, I am critical of the Commission’s drive to concentrate such a huge amount of transactions through the CCPs, causing new risks of too-big-to-fail concentration. The proposal aims to promote the widespread use of complex instruments such as derivatives instead of limiting their use. As a result, I abstained.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report, which is part of a package on Crowdfunding Service Providers. This proposal aims to deregulate the cross-border activities of Crowdfunding Service Providers. The proposal is part of the Capital Markets Union, a project I am strongly opposed to as it aims to deregulate finance further across the EU.

2016/11/22

. – I voted to abstain on this report. This report proposes to modernise cohesion policy as a means to simplify its rules and accessibility. There were several positive features of the text, including a commitment which ensures that regional airports and outermost regions would still meet the criteria for receiving European Regional Development funding, as well as having several environmental elements, including low—cost carbon generation and net zero emissions. However, there are serious references throughout this report to improving the security and safety of public spaces, which should have never become an objective of cohesion policy. The use of European funding to pursue an agenda of securitisation and is a waste of public funding. European funding should always be progressively applied to help the lives of citizens – for that reason, I could not endorse this report and abstained.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this provisional agreement and Commission statement on the new legislation on emissions performance standards for new passenger vehicles and new light commercial vehicles. I am satisfied with the outcome from interinstitutional negotiations on this file, in spite of a political compromise bringing down ambition on the 2030 emissions reduction target.The 2030 target for performance standards for new cars is that they must emit 37.5% less emissions and 31% for new vans, with intermediate targets. While it is disappointing that the Council brought down the Parliament’s ambition on this file, the outcome is still a much needed improvement to the Commission’s proposal, which was only a 30% reduction by 2030 for cars. This new law now also demands that the full life-cycle of emissions from cars should be assessed, not just in the laboratory. Emissions performance standards are an important tool in directly regulating dirty industries and are one of many tools we must use to combat climate change.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this provisional agreement, which is the outcome from very intense negotiations over the past year. Sinn Fein is satisfied with the final outcome. It introduces bans on certain single-use plastic products, consumption reduction obligations, marking requirements, extended producer responsibility measures, product design requirements and awareness—raising measures on certain single use plastic products.In spite of the European Parliament making big concessions at the negotiations with the Council, the outcome is still positive and will help in reducing the impact of plastic on the environment. I particularly welcome the ban on all oxobiodegradable plastic products, which is an achievement of the Parliament. Sinn Fein is also committed to approaching the plastics crisis more broadly and seeks to effect systemic change in the plastics economy. So while welcoming this Directive, Sinn Fein is also critical of the Commission’s proposal which does not go near far enough to effectively change the plastics economy into a sustainable one.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this legislation, as I believe it is a fair compromise between protecting human health and ensuring farmers have access to the products they need at an affordable price.This legislation will allow the EU ‘CE’ mark to be applied to a wider range of fertilisers; particularly those produced from organic materials or recycled bio-waste. This means that producers can sell these products in all EU countries, removing barriers trade barriers and benefiting to the EU circular economy.I am particularly pleased that the inter-institutional agreement has revised the proposed levels of Cadmium from 20mg to 60mg. This revision will open up a wider range of suppliers for fertilizers than previously proposed. I had grave concerns that a 20mg would limit the amount of viable suppliers to such an extent that these fertilizers would sharply rise in price for our farmers. The agreed 60mg limit was the best option as it is still under what is believed to be a level causing risk to our food chain.

2016/11/22

. – 53% of work-related deaths in the EU are attributable to cancer caused by exposure to carcinogenic substances at work – more than 100 000 deaths a year. In May 2016, the European Commission made several proposals to change the Carcinogens and Mutagens Directive to reduce exposure of workers to key cancer-causing chemicals.This proposal introduces new limits for inhalation exposure for a further five substances: Cadmium, Beryllium, Arsenic, Formaldehyde; and 4,4'-Methylene-bis(2-chloroaniline) (MOCA).These substances are used in wide range of sectors, including: building and construction, manufacturing of leather and fur, pulp, paper and paper products, textile, wood and wood products, pathology departments and autopsy rooms, nickel-cadmium battery manufacture, mechanical plating, zinc and copper smelting, foundries, laboratories, glass, electronics, chemicals, and plastics and recycling.The proposals include medical surveillance of exposure (including biomonitoring); evidence-based, proportionate and measurable exposure limits; possibly widening the scope to include hazardous medicines, including cytotoxins; more flexible rules for small businesses.The proposal also sets transition periods for a number of these substances, in order to assist companies adjust to the new rules.This is an important piece of legislation that will help save hundreds of thousands of workers’ lives. I therefore voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on this Report, which is aimed at cutting emissions from the transport sector by incentivising a shift from road freight to lower emission transport modes, such as inland waterways, maritime and rail. Given Ireland’s lack of rail freight and inland waterways infrastructure, this Directive will have limited applicability to us, however the rules will still have implications for Irish access to the international road haulage market. As with other files related to the road transport sector, a one-size-fits-all approach often has an unequal effect on Ireland, particularly given Britain’s impending exit from the European Union. Rules requiring drivers to accompany freight on non-road legs, and disallowing non-EU routes to be counted towards combined transport for the incentives, could both have severe implications for Ireland post-Brexit. This could mean routes in the North of Ireland being discounted, or drivers being obliged to stay on long sea journeys to France. Therefore, despite the positive aim of reducing carbon emissions, I abstained on the final vote.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report to close the first reading of the European Parliament’s report on the proposal for public country-by-country reporting. CBCR is one of the most important tax transparency measures ever to be put forward and will require multinationals to publish their income and how much taxes they have paid on a country-by-country basis. I have been critical of two main aspects of the text – namely that the threshold at which CBCR will apply is set for companies with an annual turnover of EUR 750 million or more, while I believe it should apply to companies with an annual turnover of more than EUR 40 million. I also oppose the insertion of a secrecy clause that will allow companies to omit disclosures in one or more jurisdiction if they can justify it to the national competent authority on the grounds of ‘commercial sensitivity’. Despite this, I support the Parliament’s position on this crucial proposal because it makes very significant improvements to the Commission’s proposal. This vote took place in the context of Member States, including Ireland, blocking the more progressive aspects of the proposal in the Council.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this proposal, which lays down the rules for the EU’s cohesion policy for the next seven years. This report is on the Commission’s proposals to establish common rules for the various structural funds (Cohesion Fund, EMFF, AMIF, ISF, ERDF, ESF+ and BMVI). The regulation is a basis for the synergy between the Structural Funds, whose main objective is to furnish support to less developed regions to strengthen the economic and social cohesion in the EU.There is no indication that funds will be diverted for purposes other than social cohesion and investment for less developed regions. I therefore voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – These two delegated acts were aimed at inserting a new action into both the AMIF and ISF funds that would enable the financing of ‘controlled centres’. This concept of closed centres was invented by Heads of State in June 2018, for example those in Member States of first entry where asylum processing takes place.It is argued that officials can ‘quickly differentiate between refugees in need of protection and economic migrants who would potentially face return to their countries of origin’. Sinn Féin believes that these are nothing more than de facto detention centres and the process would be a violation of current EU law.These Resolutions object to two delegated acts that were aimed at the financing of ‘controlled centres’ in the AMIF and ISF. I voted against because of my opposition to the concept of ‘controlled centres’.

2016/11/22

. – I supported this GM objection for the same reasons as always. Sinn Féin (and a majority of Members of the European Parliament) is against the Commission authorising the placement of genetically modified products on the market. The Commission continues to exceed its implementing powers, and this whole authorisation procedure goes against the precautionary principle and poses serious threats to human and animal health and the environment.

2016/11/22

. – I supported this objection. Phthalates are plasticisers – additives that increase the plasticity or fluidity of a material. This type, DEHP, was recently added to a list of substances of very high concern under the REACH Regulation because of its classification as toxic to reproduction and hazardous properties. The Commission exceeds its implementing powers with the authorisation of this substance, which is very dangerous to human health, especially towards pregnant woman, new-borns and children. For these reasons, I voted in favour of this objection.

2016/11/22

. – I supported this objection. The Commission is exceeding its competences by proposing to grant an authorisation for chromium trioxide, which is listed as a substance of very high concern under the REACH Regulation because of its classification as carcinogenic (category 1A) and mutagenic (category 1B). The whole process of the authorisation is not in line with the REACH regulation and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)’s Committee for Risk Assessment mentions more than 50 cases of cancer related to this substance. For these reasons, I voted in favour of this objection.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained on this vote. Since the Arab Spring the situation in several countries in North Africa and the Middle East has worsened, with ongoing war in Syria and Libya and government oppression in Egypt illustrating the many challenges facing the region. EU Member States have played a direct role in worsening the human rights situations in several countries in the region. The disastrous military intervention led by France and the UK in Libya, and continuing sale of arms to Turkey and Saudi Arabia, who use these arms in wars in Syria and Yemen respectively, have all contributed to the various humanitarian crises in the region.This report however views EU intervention, including possible military intervention, as the solution to the challenges facing the region despite EU Member States directly contributing to many of these problems in the first place.The problems created by the failed imperialist interventions of EU Member States, will not be solved by the same states intervening again under the banner of the EU. Member States should focus on promoting long—term development in the region and should end all arms sales to countries involved in conflicts in the region.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of waiving the immunity of Danish MEP Jørn Dohrmann. Mr Dohrmann is charged with causing almost EUR 2 000 worth of damage to the camera of a journalist. The journalist was standing 195 m from his house while filming footage for a documentary. He was initially charged with unlawfully photographing persons on private property, but the charges had to be dropped, as the requisite element of intent could not be proven.The journalist and his employer are now seeking compensation. Since Dohrmann is denying the charge, the matter cannot be settled out of court. Therefore his immunity must be waived.Since the alleged actions do not relate to opinions expressed or votes cast in the line of duty, Rules 7 and 8 cannot be invoked. Therefore we voted to waive the immunity.

2016/11/22

. – This report concerned an update to rules allowing citizens to bring cross-border collective suits, taking into account inefficiencies related to the vulnerability of consumers related to the Dieselgate scandal.Under the new directive Member States must designate a qualified entity, such as a consumer protection body, that may initiate a European-wide collective action. These qualified representative entities pursue actions on behalf of consumers and can enter pleas for redress or injunction. Courts must first decide whether there is a ʻbroad public impactʼ. Punitive damages are prohibited, but a ʻloser paysʼ principle is introduced. The losing party also has to inform all consumers potentially concerned when they might be affected by a successful action.Right-wing business interests and Fine Gaelʼs political group have tried to block this legislation at every turn, including by refusing to allow the presentation of the report onto the committee agenda.Sinn Féin supports the right to collective action and we currently have a bill going through the Dáil to provide for this possibility at national level. We therefore voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this report. The EU-Israel agreement grants the Israeli state preferential treatment from the EU in a number of areas of trade, including the trade in dual-use and military goods.The ongoing human rights abuse against Palestinians and the illegal occupation of Palestinian territory by Israel have been condemned by the UN and various human rights organisations. As long as these human rights abuses continue, Israel should not receive any preferential treatment from the EU and EU Member States should immediately end all arms exports to Israel.

2016/11/22

. – Adopted without a vote.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this report. This directive undermines the sovereignty of EU Member States, which should be allowed to adjust their seasonal time changes as they wish. Control over seasonal time change should not be an EU competency. This could lead to two different time zones on the island of Ireland, due to Brexit.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this agreement, the outcome of interinstitutional negotiations. This directive is part of a single liberalisation package, ʻClean Energy for All Europeansʼ. The Commissionʼs proposal is pursuing the idea that only an open and fully liberalised market can deliver affordable energy prices for consumers, and emphasises the need for a fully competitive electricity market – this idea has not changed in the final agreement. Although there is some mention of energy poverty, the provisions are in no way substantial enough for us to support it; the final agreement requires each Member State to define the concept of a vulnerable customer, which may refer to energy poverty. There is a chapter on consumer empowerment and protection, e.g. the right to switch supplier, basic contractual rights and transparent billing information, which is welcome, but not enough to guarantee the right to energy. Although the directive is about price setting for energy, the provisional agreement explicitly states that vulnerable groups should not be protected through public intervention on energy prices.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this agreement on the regulation on the internal market for electricity, and also in the vote on Commission statements. The regulation is part of the ʻClean Energy for All Europeansʼ liberalisation package. The European Commission maintains that this will bring stricter and harmonised rules for capacity mechanisms, reconciling the EU objectives of security of supply and emission reduction, and enhanced regional coordination, which will improve market functioning and competitiveness while making the system more stable. The package provides for the creation of new EU-level entities to promote operation and facilitate integration; a simplification in the rules facilitating trade within each bidding zone; and poor rules around capacity mechanisms (emission limits are insufficient). Capacity mechanisms, which are different for Member States, are now split in two (before and after the entry into force of the regulation), with different emission limits. The split grandfathers the older capacity mechanism, which equates to continued support for coal-powered electricity plants. There is a new article in the final agreement on just transition, which Sinn Fein supports, but the article does not go further in ensuring funds to be drawn down for regions in need of just transition. Overall, we reject the liberalisation package.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this final agreement on the EU Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators. The main tasks of ACER are to issue opinions and recommendations addressed to transmission system operators, to national regulatory authorities (NRAs) and to the Commission, the EP and the Council; to monitor European internal markets for gas and electricity; and to adopt individual decisions on technical issues and on cross-border issues if the Member States cannot reach agreement. Its mission is to complement and coordinate the work of national energy regulators at EU level and to work towards the completion of the single EU energy market for electricity and natural gas. In 2016, the Commission presented a recast of the regulation as part of the liberalisation agenda in the ʻClean Energy Packageʼ, together with new electricity market rules and a regulation on risk preparedness. Through these reforms, the Agency is to play a bigger role in decision-making processes linked to bidding zones, adequacy assessment, guidelines and network codes. The main intention behind this EU agencyʼs additional powers in monitoring EU energy markets is to expand its control, with the aim of having a single, competitive, liberalised EU energy market.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this agreement on the risk-preparedness in the electricity sector. It is part of the revised Third Energy Package, which aims to improve the functioning of the internal electricity market and implement the key objectives of the Energy Union, which Sinn Fein opposes. The purpose of this Regulation is to ensure that Member States put in place appropriate tools to prevent, prepare for and manage electricity crisis situations (extreme weather, cyber-attacks, fuel shortages). There are cross-border effects because of the integrated electricity market. Currently, Member States prevent, manage and prepare for crises in their national framework. The agreement sees the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) in charge of drafting the methodologies for regional crisis scenarios (approved by ACER) and then identifies relevant crisis scenarios for each region. This equates to a bureaucratic web of EU agencies in creating a methodology, and removing powers from the national regulators to EU agencies. Sinn Fein believes in cooperation of energy sectors, particularly for risk-preparedness, but not in the hands of EU agencies that are part of a strategy to further liberalise the EU energy market.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report, which will repeal the current Tyre Labelling Regulation while also incorporating some provisions from the general energy-labelling framework, updated in 2017. From the start, the conservative (EPP) lead negotiator downgraded the Commission proposal in many aspects, with the support of liberals and conservative groups (ALDE and ECR). For instance, the Commission introduced the obligation for suppliers and distributors to show the label for a specific type of tyre in any visual advertisement, including on the internet. However, right-wing groups quickly deleted this from the draft text. Several other issues remained misleading and problematic for consumers. All progressive attempts to improve the final text were voted down, and the final result was worse than the Commission proposal itself. For these reasons, I voted against the adoption of this report.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against the provisional agreement to this file and in favour of an amendment calling for amendments to be allowed to be tabled. The JURI Committee, who has lead this file, had its mandate on this file completely overturned in July last year at the first full vote of MEPs. Despite this, the final text returned to MEPs this time has reverted back with pretty much the same issues.In order to ensure fair remuneration of artists, Sinn Féin favours a licencing system, which should oblige large platforms, such as YouTube or Soundcloud to conclude agreements with right holders for the use of their content. Sites like these, where singers, musicians and other artists upload their content, often make huge profits off the backs of their work with very little going to the creators themselves. Irish artists are seriously undervalued, and we need a system that ensures fair compensation for their creations, as well as protecting the fundamental rights of internet users.From the very beginning, Sinn Féin has sought to explicitly exclude the use of upload filters and other methods of monitoring and restricting internet users’ rights through this legislation. We voted in favour of amendments seeking to ban such technologies, and have been consistently critical of any move towards a situation where internet platforms would be under a general monitoring obligation in order to comply with copyright rules. Since the final text rolled back on protections from last summer’s vote, as well as having issues with Articles related to data mining and the link tax, we could not support the text as presented.

2016/11/22

. – This report is aimed at protecting consumers who purchase digital services. This is a full harmonisation Directive, which means that while consumers from some countries who had zero legislation will experience significantly better protections, others may experience slightly less. There are exceptions to this though.The legislation provides that within the first two years of the contract, any non-conformity discovered by the consumer is considered to have been present at the time of sale. Member States are free to legislate for a period for longer than two years if they wish. Within the first year, there is a burden of proof for the seller to prove misuse by the consumer if they refute the claim. For the second year, that burden of proof is transferred to the consumer. It also deals with the right of a consumer to updates, including security updates, to keep the digital content in conformity for the contractual period of time or that which they may reasonably expect. Remedies including right to conformity free of charge and right to terminate the contract with exchange of the price are provided for. Since this file is aimed at providing protection in a fast-growing new marketplace where consumers are often unprotected, I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report as it essentially proposes to eliminate existing legal obstacles to cross border e-commerce with regards to consumer rights on online and offline trades of goods. It includes measures to set out clearly an increase in consumer rights and transparency, as to increase consumer protection and confidence when trading and purchasing cross border in other Member States. It also outlines that the burden of proof for non-conformity of standards for goods caused by production is on the trader, and not on the consumer. As this proposal underlines consumer protections, we voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report as it seeks to transpose into EU legislation conservation and management measures that would include monitoring, control and surveillance actions to fight illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. These measures concern the European hake and the deep-water rose shrimp in the Strait of Sicily, the turbot in the Black Sea, the blackspot seabream in the Alboran Sea and the red coral.This measure involved establishing a closure period of at least two months during the spawning season and a fishing restricted area in Adriatic, individual daily and/or annual catch limits and designated ports for landings.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report, which was a positive outcome of inter institutional negotiations between the Parliament and the Council on the final text.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour on this report on advancing the creation of more aerodynamic cabins of trucks. The objective of the proposal is to revise Council Directive 96/53/EC, which establishes the maximum weights and dimensions of certain road vehicles, to allow for cabins of a greater length to be produced. The derogation from maximum length restrictions was granted for the rear of vehicles, for the mounting of aerodynamic devices, and for the front of vehicles to allow for a more rounded and aerodynamic shape of cabs of trucks.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report, which was on the outcome of inter-institutional negotiations on establishing two new benchmarks for financial products as part of the sustainable finance package. The proposal introduces a regulatory framework that lays down minimum requirements for EU climate transition and EU Paris-aligned benchmarks and states that it is of particular importance that such benchmarks should not significantly harm other environmental, social and governance (ESG) objectives. The Council weakened the ECON committee’s report in the negotiations. However, the final outcome is still an improvement on the Commission’s initial proposal. The creation of these two benchmarks using a common methodology across the EU will be a significant step forward for transparency on sustainability of financial products, and will be an important tool in preventing greenwashing by financial institutions, which are currently able to market financial products as ‘green’ without any standardised or transparent requirements on their actual exposure to the fossil fuels industry.

2016/11/22

. – My colleague Martina Anderson is the shadow rapporteur of this file, and this is the second time it has come to a European Parliament plenary sitting. Due to the work of team Sinn Féin, there is a strong acknowledgement in this report of the unique and special circumstances of the north of Ireland and the absolute requirement to ensure that Peace and Interreg funding streams are protected post—Brexit. European funding has helped protect the continuous development of the peace process, and this report fully acknowledges the importance of European funding as a means of safeguarding areas of north-south co—operation as set out under the Good Friday Agreement. I therefore voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this excellent resolution. I am grateful to my political group, GUE/NGL, for taking the initiative to bring this resolution to plenary, marking the first time the European Parliament is voting on a robust resolution on the specific form of structural racism experienced by people of African descent in Europe, on Afrophobia, and on fundamental rights. It has been a key demand of the European Network Against Racism, and I am delighted to endorse it by voting in favour of this important resolution. Some of its main points include: recognising the links between colonialism and current structural racism in Europe; encouraging Member States and the European institutions to formally mark both the UN International Decade for People of African Descent and to take effective measures for the implementation of the programme of activities; calls on the Member States to declassify their colonial archives; calls on the Member States to develop national anti-racism strategies looking at all policy areas.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on this report, which was the final report of the special committee on financial crimes, tax evasion and tax avoidance. I supported many of the proposals in the report, including its call for increased tax transparency through the swift implementation of public country-by-country reporting for multinationals, and its call for the creation of a global tax governance body under the auspices of the UN. I support the report’s call on Member States, including Ireland, to fully implement the Anti-Money Laundering Directive if they have so far failed to do so.I did not vote in favour of the final vote on the report because I opposed several elements of the report that infringe on the economic sovereignty of Member States. I oppose the CCCTB and digital tax being implemented at the EU level and believe a fundamental shift in taxation such as this must be decided at an international level. The report calls for an end to the unanimity principle in votes in the EU Council on taxation matters, which I am strongly opposed to. As a result, I could not vote in favour of the report, so I abstained.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on this vote. The close political and economic ties between the EU and Switzerland have resulted in close cooperation in a number of areas, and I hope this will continue. This new framework agreement, however, is and attempt by the EU to interfere with Swiss domestic employment policy and prioritises Switzerland’s involvement in EU military missions over other more important aspects of cooperation. For these reasons, I could not support the final vote.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against the decision and in favour of the resolution because the European Court of Auditors (ECA) concluded that the revenue for 2017 underlying these accounts was legal and regular in all material respects. The resolution highlights these shortcomings but ultimately grants the discharge. Payments underlying the accounts indicate that a significant part of the 2017 expenditure audited was not materially affected by error and that the level of irregularities in EU spending has continued to decrease, reaching an all-time low level of 2.4% in 2017. However, this is still above the threshold of 2%. Payments continue to be affected by errors because the control and supervision system is only partially effective. The main reason to vote against the discharge is that the ECA did not examine the level of error for spending under Heading 3 ‘Security and citizenship’ and Heading 4 ‘Global Europe’.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against the resolution despite sections I agreed with, including being highly critical of the Commission’s calls for greater CSDP funding.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against the report and in favour of the resolution because the European Court of Auditors (ECA) has determined that the payments are materially affected by error and this was highlighted by the resolution.

2016/11/22

. – I voted to abstain on the decision and in favour of the resolution because the overall evidence from the ECA indicates that while the spending on ‘administration’ is not affected by a material level of error, in the nine quantified errors, the estimated level of error in heading 5 on administration is 0.5 % (up from 0.2 % in 2016). Furthermore, of the eight transactions by Parliament that it examined, the ECA found weaknesses in three transactions related to procurement procedure – namely compliance with contract selection criteria, full compliance with the framework contract, and the criterion to select a travel agency – and in one transaction related to the reimbursement of expenses of visitors groups.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of the resolution and the decision as there were no irregularities which would justify a postponement.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of the resolution and the decision as there were no irregularities which would justify a postponement.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report granting discharge of the budget to the Court of Auditors. An independent external auditor audits the annual accounts of the Court of Auditors in order to apply the same principles of transparency and accountability that the Court applies to its auditees. There have been no irregularities and we support the work of the agency.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report granting discharge of the budget to the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). The report praises the high level of implementation of the EESC budget (i.e. they actually spend the money they are granted on progressive projects). Some issues around gender equality in the agency are noted in the report, including that there has been an improvement since the previous year. The GUE Group in the Committee on Budgetary Control (CONT) called for timing of the EESC’s reports to be issued before Parliament’s position has been adopted. There have been no irregularities and we support the work of the agency.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of granting the Committee of the Regions discharge as there were no financial irregularities. The resolution critically engaged with the failures of the Committee, including its failure to meet its publication target, shortcomings in terms of the representation of women in the workplace and protocols/mechanisms to deal with harassment. I therefore voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this discharge. The use of ever increasing amounts of money financing EU external action undermines Member States’ ability to maintain sovereignty over foreign affairs issues.

2016/11/22

. – The discharge procedure is the European Parliament’s final approval of how a particular European Union institution’s budget for a specific year has been implemented. No irregularities were identified in this report and therefore, I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of granting the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) discharge as there were no irregularities with its spending for 2017. The resolution also notes the improvements that the EDPS has made in terms of issuing a code of conduct, reducing the phenomenon of revolving doors and a commitment to a high level of transparency to reduce conflicts of interest.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on the resolution, which should only provide an overview of the general financial reporting of EU agencies. In this instance, the Resolution went beyond this and discussed the general performance of the agencies and their value to citizens.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this discharge. There were no irregularities.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this discharge. There were no irregularities.

2016/11/22

. – The Translation Centre for the Bodies of the European Union was created as a response to the translation needs of a large number of European agencies and offices. I voted in favour as there were no special irregularities which would justify a postponement.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this discharge. Two irregular recruitment procedures were identified and greater transparency was recommended. There were no other serious irregularities.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this discharge. There were no irregularities.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this discharge. The agency carries out regulatory and executive tasks in the field of civilian aviation safety. There were no irregularities that would justify a postponement.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against granting the EASO discharge for the financial year ending in 2017. Although corrective measures have been taken in recent times, in 2017 there were significant shortcomings in EASO’s capacity to manage its finances in an efficient and compliant manner. The Court of Auditors had found there to be, in 2017, material and systemic instances of non-compliance in respect of payments, abuses in relation to public procurement and recruitment procedures and persistently inadequate internal control systems.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report granting discharge for the budget of the European Banking Authority. The EBA is the one of the three main supervisors of the European System of Financial Supervision, along with the EIOPA and ESMA. There are some deficiencies in the agency’s work in financial supervision but this is often due to a lack of resources and a failure by Member States to cooperate with it. There have been no irregularities reported, and we support the work of the agency so we voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this discharge. There were no irregularities.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this discharge. There were no irregularities.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this discharge. There were no irregularities.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of the discharge as there were no irregularities.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this discharge. The European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) was established to contribute to and strengthen the promotion of gender equality – including gender mainstreaming in all EU policies and the resulting national policies – and the fight against discrimination on the basis of sex, as well as to raise EU citizens’ awareness of gender equality.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report granting discharge of the budget to the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA). The EIOPA is the one of the three main supervisors of the European System of Financial Supervision, along with the EBA and ESMA. There are some deficiencies with the agency’s work in financial supervision but this is often due to a lack of resources and a failure by Member States to cooperate with it. There have been no irregularities reported, and we support the work of the agency so we voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report granting discharge of the budget to the European Institute of Innovation and Technology. There are no irregularities highlighted in the report.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this discharge. There were no irregularities.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this discharge. There were no irregularities.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of the discharge as there were no irregularities.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this discharge. There were no irregularities.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained on this discharge and voted against the resolution. In 2016 we voted against the establishment of this agency in the first place. The agency moves the railway sector towards a direction that we oppose. The setting up of the agency emphasised the creation of a single, liberalised railway sector, which encourages competition and privatisation, while granting further authoritative powers solely to the ERA.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report granting discharge of the budget to the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA). The ESMA is the one of the three main supervisors of the European System of Financial Supervision, along with the EBA and EIOPA. There are some deficiencies with the agency’s work in financial supervision but this is often due to a lack of resources and a failure by Member States to cooperate with it. There have been no irregularities reported, and we support the work of the agency so we voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this discharge. There were no irregularities.

2016/11/22

. – There were no irregularities, therefore we voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this discharge. There were no irregularities.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this discharge. While the accounts are in order, we are opposed to nuclear energy and Euratom has the sole purpose of purpose of creating a specialist market for nuclear power in Europe, developing nuclear energy and distributing it to its Member States while selling the surplus to third countries.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this discharge. There were no serious irregularities. Issues raised by the Internal Audit Service last year have been addressed. A number of overpayment and underpayment issues with 30 staff have been resolved.

2016/11/22

. – There were no irregularities with regard to Eurojust’s accounts. We therefore voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – There were no irregularities, therefore we voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – There were no irregularities, therefore we voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this discharge. The budget for Frontex has increased dramatically to over EUR 280 million in 2017. There are multiple irregularities in the reported use of this budget and an overall lack of transparency and accountability from Frontex.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this discharge as there were no irregularities.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained on this discharge. While the accounts are in order, I am opposed to supporting public-private partnership models.

2016/11/22

. – Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking (CSJU) is a public-private partnership between the European Commission and the European aeronautics industry that is on the way to achieving its environmental performance targets.As there were no special irregularities which would justify a postponement, we voted in favour of the discharge. However, due to our opposition to public-private partnerships, we voted against the resolution.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against the decision and the resolution due to the fact that the European Court of Auditors (ECA) has been unable to verify that payments made by the electronics public-private research project, Electronic Components and Systems for European Leadership (ECSEL), complied with EU rules. The payments in question were made for projects originally funded under Framework Programme 7, which ended in 2013 and preceded Horizon 2020, the EU’s current research funding programme. The resolution does not mention this issue, therefore we voted against both the discharge decision and resolution.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained on this discharge. While the accounts are in order, I am opposed to supporting public-private partnership models.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of the discharge but abstained on the resolution, as the accounts were in order but Sinn Féin is opposed to supporting public-private partnership models.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this discharge, and in favour of the resolution, which is critical of the Joint Undertaking’s overspend and expresses concern over further cost increases and delays in project implementation. The European Court of Auditors expressed concern over the risk of further cost increases and delays in project implementation compared to proposed baseline.

2016/11/22

. – As there were no special irregularities which would justify a postponement, I voted in favour of the discharge. However due to my opposition to public-private partnerships, I voted against the resolution.

2016/11/22

. – The Shift2Rail Joint Undertaking aims to achieve a Single European Railway Area (SERA); to enhance competitiveness of the European railway system and to sustain the leadership of the European rail industry on the global market.As there were no special irregularities which would justify a postponement, I voted in favour of the discharge. However due to my opposition to public-private partnerships, I voted against the resolution.

2016/11/22

. – We voted to abstain on this report. While the report recommends an increase in the transparency particularly regarding lobbyists, these recommendations are neither strong or comprehensive enough, and do not set it as a requirement for all lobbyists to be on a transparency register and for these meetings to be declared by all MEPs. Furthermore, it is reprehensible that the European Parliament held a secret vote on recommendations to increase the transparency of meetings with lobbyists. The report also endangers the independence of national delegations in the European Parliament, requiring them to submit written declarations to their European Group stating that they share the same political affinity. This would elevate the European group’s concerns above that of the national delegations. Sinn Féin resists all attempts to reduce the independence and autonomy of national delegations. Sinn Féin policy is informed by our membership, and not by our European political group.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour. This is a technical file regarding modifications to the Union Customs Code. Italy has requested the exclave of Campione d’Italia and territorial waters in Lake Lugano to be included in the EU customs territory, which were historically excluded because of their geographical location within Switzerland. Italy no longer sees this as necessary, and not including these territories in the EU customs territory would mean Switzerland can include them in their customs territory.We voted in favour on the basis that we have no reason to oppose the Italian request.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report in order to provide certainty and continuity in the granting of support to European farmers in the years 2019 and 2020.The report adapts two legislative acts of the common agricultural policy (CAP) to ensure a smooth passage to the next programming period. These amendments include a new degressivity (reduction) schedule for phasing out payments to some areas facing natural constraints and the use of European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) technical assistance, at the initiative of the Commission, for actions preparing the implementation of the future CAP.In relation to direct payments, some of the provisions in the current Direct Payment Regulation did not cover calendar year 2020 since expenditure relating to calendar year 2020 is made in the financial year 2021, which is the first year of the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2021-2027. This planning shortfall necessitated the amendments presented in the Siekierski report.The amendments also carry through the ability to transfer between the CAP pillars up until the new MFF. In the absence of an amendment of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013, some Member States would face disruptive financial implications as regards direct payments in the calendar year 2020.

2016/11/22

. – This report concerns the accession of the Dominican Republic to the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction.This Convention sets out the system of cooperation between contracting Member States for settling cases of international child abduction, by establishing competence courts, applicable jurisdiction and systems of return. It is important that countries accede to the 1980 Convention in order to ensure a comprehensive legal framework to protect children’s interests.Therefore, I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – This report concerns the accession of Ecuador and Ukraine to the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction.This Convention sets out the system of cooperation between contracting Member States for settling cases of international child abduction, by establishing the competence of courts, applicable jurisdiction and systems of return. It is important that countries accede to the 1980 Convention in order to ensure a comprehensive legal framework to protect children’s interests.Therefore, I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – This report concerns the accession of Honduras to the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction.This Convention sets out the system of cooperation between contracting Member States for settling cases of international child abduction, by establishing the competence of courts, applicable jurisdiction and systems of return. It is important that countries accede to the 1980 Convention in order to ensure a comprehensive legal framework to protect children’s interests.Therefore, I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – This report concerns the accession of Belarus and Uzbekistan to the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction.This Convention sets out the system of cooperation between contracting Member States for settling cases of international child abduction, by establishing the competence of courts, applicable jurisdiction and systems of return. It is important that countries accede to the 1980 Convention in order to ensure a comprehensive legal framework to protect children’s interests.Therefore, I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – There are currently 25 Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) associated with EU Member States, but not part of the customs union or internal market, meaning that EU legislation does not apply. The Overseas Association Decision (OAD) outlines the special relationship that most of these OCT’s have with the EU, including funding under the European Development Fund (EDF). Greenland currently has a separate arrangement – the Greenland Decision – funded from the EU budget.After Brexit, the number of OCTs will drop to 13. The Commission has therefore proposed a new OAD as a unified framework for all OCTs, with a single financial instrument that is part of the upcoming European budget for 2021-2027. It would also merge with the Greenland Decision, creating a unified regime for all remaining OCTs.This report improves on the Commission proposal by calling specifically for funding to go towards good governance, protecting biodiversity, combating climate change, gender balance and tackling youth unemployment, amongst other things.I therefore voted in favour of the report.

2016/11/22

. – The majority of the report is positive and reflects the importance of fighting fraud. It recognises the need to ensure that lower reported levels of irregularities reflect genuine decreases in fraud and not deficiencies in terms of detection. It highlights the need for greater transparency, particularly the disclosure of information on beneficial ownership by beneficiaries and financial intermediaries. I agree with its criticism of the fact that the Commission no longer deems it necessary to publish the anti-corruption reports and its condemnation of the revolving doors problem. I support its call for the Commission to develop a corruption index and its recognition of the positive role of whistleblowers and investigative journalists.Despite these positive elements, however, the report welcomes the Commission’s 2016 VAT Action Plan, which calls for a single EU VAT area. Sinn Féin opposes certain elements of the 2016 VAT action plan. The report also states that all Member States should join the European Public Prosecutor’s Office and welcomes the fact that the EU budget include appropriations for the EPPO. Sinn Féin opposes the EPPO as it would constitute a greater centralisation of judicial autonomy in the EU at the expense of Member States’ judicial structures.For these reasons I voted to abstain.

2016/11/22

. – Whilst this proposal lays out the general principles and details including revocation of .eu Top Level Domain name, there were a number of significant concerns regarding the provisional agreement that the legislation could facilitate political censorship by shutting down websites where it is unjustified and also intrusion into private individual data. For this reason, we abstained.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report, which makes technical changes in order to standardise the collection of economic data across the EU. Having reliable, accurate and comparable data is crucial for research, analysis and policymaking at the member state and EU level, so I supported the proposal.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this objection, which concerns the renewal of the authorisation placing feed containing or consisting of GM oilseed rapes Ms8, Rf3 and Ms8 × Rf3 on the market. As per usual, Sinn Féin opposes the Commission’s implementing decisions on GM authorisations, as they exceed their implementing powers. These authorisations will lead to unacceptable risks to food safety, human and animal health and the environment. For these reasons, I supported the objection.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this objection, which concerns the renewal of the authorisation placing products containing, consisting of, or produced from GM maize 5307 (SYN-Ø53Ø7-1) on the market. As per usual, Sinn Féin opposes the Commission’s implementing decisions on GM authorisations, as they exceed their implementing powers. These authorisations will lead to unacceptable risks to food safety, human and animal health and the environment. For these reasons, I supported the objection.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this objection, which concerns the renewal of the authorisation placing products containing, consisting of, or produced from GM maize MON 87403 (MON-874Ø3-1) on the market. As per usual, Sinn Féin opposes the Commission’s implementing decisions on GM authorisations, as they exceed their implementing powers. These authorisations will lead to unacceptable risks to food safety, human and animal health and the environment. For these reasons, I supported the objection.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this objection, which concerns the renewal of the authorisation placing products containing, consisting of, or produced from GM cotton GHB614 × LLCotton25 × MON 15985 on the market. As per usual, Sinn Féin opposes the Commission’s implementing decisions on GM authorisations, as they exceed their implementing powers. These authorisations will lead to unacceptable risks to food safety, human and animal health and the environment. For these reasons, I supported the objection.

2016/11/22

. – This joint motion for a resolution constitutes open interference in Venezuela’s political institutions and brazen disregard for international law.The resolution declares Juan Guaidó as the President of Venezuela, accuses the elected President Nicolás Maduro of ‘usurping’ power, and calls on the EU and its Member States to recognise Guaidó, and his representatives.Only the Venezuelan people can decide their President, and that can only be done by Presidential elections. Nicolás Maduro was democratically re-elected by the Venezuelan people in May 2018 and will serve his second term from 2019-2025. Regrettably, the main opposition group refused to participate in this election and to democratically put their political programme to the people.Declaring Guaidó the President of Venezuela is an attack on democracy in the country and amounts to recognition of an undemocratic coup. This is a particularly difficult and challenging period for the citizens of Venezuela and there is currently deep political polarisation. Venezuela’s current difficulties are best addressed and resolved through peaceful dialogue, such as that proposed by Mexico and Uruguay.Resolutions like this can only further add to the instability, and deepen the crisis, in Venezuela. I therefore voted against this resolution.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on this report from a Greens rapporteur. It includes many good points that I agree with, highlighting current cases of mergers and acquisitions, such as Monsanto and Bayer, and the resulting problems of high market concentration in food supply chains. It highlights ongoing action by the Commission in several anti-cartel and anti-trust cases, and calls for an end to state subsidies for the fossil fuels industry, which I support.There were some points that I disagreed with, such as fully supporting the EU’s state aid rules, and calling for more power for the Parliament on taxation matters in relation to the Council. As a result of the inclusion of these latter points in the report, I did not vote in favour but abstained.

2016/11/22

. – Sinn Féin is opposed to nuclear fission power and its proliferation. Therefore I voted in favour of this file as it aims to facilitate the decommissioning of existing nuclear fission facilities.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on this report. While it is very positive regarding the activities of the EIB, and perhaps not critical enough of some of the limitations of the EIB, it also includes a lot of very good content on climate, transparency, etc., as in suggestions for how the EIB can be improved.

2016/11/22

. – This was a non-legislative report following up on resolutions from 1995, 1996 and 2003, which made requests of the Commission to facilitate better cross border restitution of looted cultural goods.The majority of such looted goods originate from colonisation and the Second World War, with a particular emphasis on Jewish property confiscated by the Nazis. Although there have been many aims at international level to deal with this issue (Hague Convention, UNESCO Convention, UNIDROIT Convention and Washington Conference), there still remain many issues. According to global estimates 80-90% of global antiquities are of illicit origin and are creating a lucrative black market.The Report itself does not call for any new jurisdiction, nor for the adoption of EU-wide rules, but rather follow-up to previous resolutions and for the Commission to undertake a study on the matter. There are calls encouraging MS to list and digitise cultural objects, to place an onus on market professionals to create transaction registers and establish ADR mechanisms. I support these aims, and I therefore voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – This vote concerned a decision on whether to mandate the Parliament to enter into inter-institutional negotiations on a Directive regarding cross-border conversions, mergers and divisions. The mandate, as voted at Committee stage, has incorporated a great many progressive amendments which contain important rights for employees in the case of cross-border mergers/divisions/conversions. This includes the right to information and consultation, rights for worker representatives, safeguards on their entitlements, board-level worker participation rights for undertakings with more than 50 employees, collective agreements maintaining their applicability across borders, increased transparency regarding turnover and taxing measures with regard to staff, and improved definitions of artificial arrangements which would lead to evasion or circumvention of companies’ obligations.Since it has been a progressive outcome, I supported the mandate to progress this file.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on this report. While there were some positive outcomes for small-scale fishermen, and an acknowledgement that stocks are being overexploited in the Western Mediterranean itself, there are still a number of issues within the committee amended text that need to be addressed.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against the file because it gives the Commission power to effectively sanction Member States based on ill-defined criteria on sensitive constitutional issues related to the rule-of-law.This gives the Commission the power to say that the rule of law has been compromised which is a significant expansion of the Commission’s powers. The possible measures can take the form of suspension, reduction and restriction of Member States’ access to EU funding. The proposal gives examples of things that could indicate a ‘general deficiency’ and examples of what constitutes ‘affecting the principles of sound financial management or the protection of the financial interests of’ the EU. It does not offer an exhaustive list, and as it is written, leaves substantial scope for interpretation. Much more precise criteria and corresponding measures would needed in order to ensure politically neutral application.In a resolution the EP stated that ‘final beneficiaries of the Union budget can in no way be affected by breaches of rules for which they are not responsible’. This is only safeguarded by the proposal stating that in the event funding from the EU is stopped the MS is still legally responsible to pay all planned recipients.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report. Fiscalis 2020 is a programme under the MFF running from 2014-2020, and this is necessary new legislation to extend it beyond 2020 for the next MFF term. The programme is useful and aims at developing cooperation, and sharing information and expertise between tax administrations. The Commission proposal is a general proposal for the extension of the programme, and particularly the further development of cooperation in IT systems.The report inserts a much stronger focus on the use of the Fiscalis programme being used to combat corporate tax evasion, tax avoidance and money laundering. As the programme already exists and serves a good function, we voted for its renewal. It also very importantly calls for developing countries to be able to gain access to this information if they suspect illicit financial flows, at no cost to them.

2016/11/22

. – Despite having positive language and ideas, this Commission proposal would have serious consequences on national sovereignty, enabling the Commission to further interfere and involve itself in the internal affairs of Member States. We agree with the need to develop support given to civil society organisations, NGOs and the community/voluntary sector, yet despite the usage of positive language and ideas the proposal is primarily aimed at the promotion of Union values’ and acts as a tool for compliance. The Rights and Values Programme would enable the use of sanctions and gives the Commission the ability to not only transfer any non-committed funds to support other actions but also, under amendment 73, the ability to transfer resources allocated to a MS under shared-management to the programme. As we maintain serious concerns in this regard, we voted against.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report as it addresses the dangers around nuclear energy and disasters nuclear fission energy has been responsible for.The report itself is clear in that it does not promote or endorse nuclear energy inside or outside the EU. Instead the emphasis of this report was on addressing and improving nuclear safety standards, radiation protection, and good civil response facilities for nuclear and radiation disasters.

2016/11/22

. – This was an implementation report of the Late Payment Directive from 2011. The Directive itself was put in place particularly to protect SMEs who face financial pressure when cash flow is affected. Rules under its terms set 30 days for payments from public authorities and 60 days for payments from enterprises. It also legislates for compensation fees in case payments are made too late.The Committee Report has been written following a series of hearings in Committee and a study by the Commission. While the Commission’s experience appears to have been positive, it seems that only one in four SMEs were familiar with the Directive and one in five saw a positive change in on-time payments because of the legislation. Sinn Féin believes that there needs to be a better implementation of these rules and greater awareness in the business community about the financial pressures faced by smaller actors who bear the brunt of late payments. For these reasons, I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report, which did not report any irregularities or problems.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report on differentiated integration. It is the clear intention of this report to use the process of differentiated integration to pursue an ‘ever closer’ European Union, which fundamentally oversteps the mark and respect for the sovereignty and autonomy of Member States. It takes no critical approach in referencing efforts to enhance security and defence policy at a European level and blazingly trumpets the successes of constructing a European Defence Union. Sinn Féin will continue to fight all efforts to militarise the European Union, which breaches Ireland’s long-standing principle of military neutrality.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report. The findings of the Ombudsman’s strategic inquiry receive my full support, particularity recommendations to increase the transparency of the European Council and its preparatory bodies at Coreper and Working Group level, and its strong condemnation of the Council’s misuse of the LIMITE confidentiality marking. However, it is clear that progressive nuances of this report were used as a smokescreen to push a regressive and dangerous agenda, whereby the current institutional structure would be reformed to ensure that the European Commission, as an unelected body, would assume the executive functions of a government, clearly as an attempt to centralise decision-making in Brussels in the pursuit of a federalised European Union. I also had significant concerns on the report’s endorsement of qualified majority voting in the majority of Council decisions, which are far outside the scope of the Ombudsman’s recommendations. QMV for the majority of decisions would reduce the accountability and the unanimity of Council decisions, which presents the potential for Member States to be overruled in decisions that affect them.

2016/11/22

. – This is a technical decision concerning the closing of the accounts of the European Asylum Support Office (EASO) since the 2016 discharge was rejected by Parliament.On 18 April 2018, Parliament decided to postpone discharge to EASO for the financial year 2016. The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) started an investigation into the former directorship of the EASO. The investigation uncovered a range of wrongdoings at the asylum agency, from breaches of procurement rules to harassment of staff members, and recommended disciplinary action against its former boss.In its second report, adopted on 27 September 2018, the Committee on Budgetary Control considered that Parliament’s concerns had been addressed sufficiently to warrant granting the new ad interim Executive Director of EASO discharge in respect of the implementation of the agency’s budget for the financial year 2016. For these reasons, we voted in favour of closing these accounts.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this motion, and were, in fact, among the co-signatories of the request that it be added to Parliament’s agenda. We do not accept that the consultation process carried out by the EU in relation to this deal amounted to the consent of the people of Western Sahara.The Court of Justice had requested that consent to be sought, and we believe the Court should also approve the methodology of the consent process used, given the numerous concerns raised. We note that a total of 93 organisations representing the people of Western Sahara have made it clear they do not support the process that was carried out – this is in addition to the Polisario Front, which was not consulted despite being the recognised representative of the Sahrawi people.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this resolution on the basis that we do not believe the text reflects the facts. The text includes the following (paragraph 8): ‘Stresses, as stated in the Commission report, that all reasonable and feasible steps have been taken to inquire about the consent of the population concerned, through these inclusive consultations.’We do not believe that all reasonable and feasible steps were taken to gain the consent of Western Sahara. We note that a total of 93 organisations representing the people of Western Sahara have made it clear they do not support the process that was carried out – this is in addition to the Polisario Front, which was not consulted despite being the recognised representative of the Sahrawi people.It would be more appropriate for the Court of Justice of the European Union to decide whether ‘all feasible steps have been taken’, given the controversy surrounding the consent process.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this agreement. We believe it would be imprudent to sign any agreement where its legality is in question. In order for this deal to be legally sound, the EU would have needed to carry out a process that ensured the people of Western Sahara consented to being part of the agreement. The EU did carry out a process of consultation, but we do not believe its methodology was sufficient to satisfy the intention of the Court of Justice judge who demanded it. Therefore, we cannot support the signing of this agreement, given the legal uncertainty.We note that a total of 93 organisations representing the people of Western Sahara have made it clear they do not support the process that was carried out – this is in addition to the Polisario Front, which was not consulted despite being the recognised representative of the Sahrawi people.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained on this vote due our dissatisfaction with the terms of the agreement between China and the EU. This agreement came about after a World Trade Organisation ruling on whether China was entitled to a tariff rate quota (TRQ) for poultry. We acknowledge that the EU must now give China a TRQ for poultry to comply with the decision of the WTO. However, the EU negotiated this deal without putting in place any measures to improve animal welfare standards in China.China’s low level of ambition with regard to animal welfare standards is well documented. This fact should have made it a priority for EU negotiators to secure an agreement on welfare improvements before granting any TRQ. The EU signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Brazil in 2013 concerning animal welfare, and Thailand has been one of the main beneficiaries of EU technical cooperation in the field of animal welfare. We therefore urge that the EU engage with China, as a matter of urgency, to put in place better animal welfare standards for exports to the EU.

2016/11/22

. – This file updates the rules for mobilising the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF). The EGF is an emergency ‘solidarity fund’, financing measures such as training and job search in the context of unexpected and significant job losses provoked by globalisation or economic crisis, with co-financing at a flat rate of 60%. Applications must meet a series of eligibility criteria, including a minimum threshold of workers dismissed.The Commission proposed including unexpected major restructuring events (transition to low-carbon economy, digitalisation, automation), lowering the redundancies threshold from 500 to 250 workers but shortening the reference period, and simplifying the application procedure.This report renames the Fund, restores the longer reference period for the threshold, includes NEETs, increases co-financing to 70%, and includes the possibility of supporting socio-economic redeployment in depressed areas with unemployment at or above 10%.The EGF is a mere palliative to the impacts of globalisation and the market, but it does fund useful reskilling, job hunting, and other services, and the proposed changes would make the Fund more accessible to workers and more depressed regions. Two successful amendments also included Brexit as an ‘unexpected major restructuring event’ which the Fund could be used for.I therefore voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – The European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) is the most important fund for employment and social inclusion policies. It replaces the old European Social Fund (ESF), and now incorporates the ESF, the Youth Employment Initiative (YEI), the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (FEAD), the Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI) programme, and the Programme for the Union’s action in the field of health (the Health Programme).This report improves the Commission’s proposed text on several key issues, putting a stronger focus on social inclusion, inclusion of migrants, eradication of poverty (particularly child poverty), quality job creation and high quality working conditions. It includes higher co-financing rates for FEAD, which will help frontload programmes in Member States, focuses strongly on shared management, meaning Member States are responsible for implementing programmes at national level, rather than the Commission, and there is a stronger inclusion of social partners and civil society in cross-border partnerships.Unfortunately, the report retains reference to the European Semester, this is more connected to social reforms and social scoreboard indicators than economic reforms.Despite these issues, the report is an improvement on the Commission proposal and the status quo. I therefore voted in favour of this report.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this file as there are many progressive elements to it. The report condemns the Commission’s proposals to cut funding to Structural Funds such as Interreg, and also reiterates the important point that cohesion policy should be pursued at an EU level in full respect to the subsidiarity of Member States. Most importantly, this report reaffirms the EU’s commitments to maintaining Peace and Interreg funding streams for the north of Ireland post Brexit.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report. I am pleased that the final outcome lays the basis for a fair division of tariff rate quotas (TRQs) between the EU and the US post-Brexit. The EU currently has an agreement to accept 230 000 tonnes of sheep meat from New Zealand at a fixed tariff. Although this is an agreement between New Zealand and the EU, the vast majority of this TRQ is consumed on British markets. According to the methodology used, this, and other TRQs will be divided according to usage share over a three—year reference period, regardless of underfill.Sinn Féin’s concern was to limit the scope of negotiations, since the legal basis used to trigger these discussions at WTO level could have broadened the scope to make additional concessions. We also fought to limit the power of the Commission to amend these TRQs through delegated acts. Although the division has already been laid out in the Annex to the Regulation, further changes may be necessary due to the urgency of negotiations and the fact that not all eventualities have been taken into account, including the trading status of the North of Ireland.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this Report. As the rapporteur for the AGRI Opinion to this Regulation, I am pleased that the final outcome lays the basis for a fair division of TRQs between the EU and US post-Brexit. The EU currently has an agreement to accept 230,000 tonnes of sheep meat from NZ at a fixed tariff. Although this is an agreement between NZ and the EU, the vast majority of this TRQ is consumed on British markets. According to the methodology used, this, and other TRQs will be divided according to usage share over a three year reference period, regardless of underfill. Sinn Féin’s concern was to limit the scope of negotiations, since the legal basis used to trigger these discussions at WTO level could have broadened the scope to make additional concessions. We also fought to limit the power of the Commission to amend these TRQs through delegated acts. Although the division has already been laid out in the Annex to the Regulation, further changes may be necessary due to the urgency of negotiations and the fact that not all eventualities have been taken into account, including the trading status of the North of Ireland.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this proposal as it aims to provide financial support to Bulgaria and Slovakia in decommissioning a small number of nuclear power plants.There were also a number of key amendments that were incorporated into the file itself focussed on protecting workers and the environment, which included sharing knowledge and best practices on nuclear decommissioning and radioactive waste management to protect the public, workers and the environment.

2016/11/22

. – The European Union Central American Association Agreement (EU-CAAA) is a Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and the Central American Common Market. It relies on three complementary and equally important pillars: political dialogue, cooperation, and trade.As the association agreement is still to be formally ratified by some of EU Member States, neither the political dialogue nor the cooperation pillars have been applied - only the trade pillar, which creates a free trade area between the EU and Central America.This Report was initially quite technical, containing very little that was political and ignoring the serious negative impacts of the implementation of the trade pillar on human rights and national economies in Central American countries. The GUE/NGL, S&Ds and Greens groups had a number of amendments included, improving the report by making reference to human rights issues and a stronger emphasis on climate change and the sustainable development goals.As a result, the report has a number of positive elements, while still lacking a proper critique of the negative effects of the trade pillar. We therefore abstained on this report.

2016/11/22

. – The InvestEU fund, unlike EFSI, will be on the EU budget rather than an off budget instrument. It will be directly allocated 15 billion over the course of the next MFF. The InvestEU fund will allow for 5 percent to be transferred from structural funds into the InvestEU instrument.We voted against the establishment of the fund because this form of investment seeks to mobilise private investment to fill ‘investment gaps’ across Europe which are really the result of national governments lack of political will to engage in public investment. The form of investment InvestEU represents is a detrimental alternative to real public investment as it ends up socialising losses and risk while privatising profits. InvestEU will be used to further a privatisation agenda.EFSI has been continuously criticised for failing to achieve an equitable geographic disbursement, favouring wealthier countries and more developed regions.It was also criticised for engaging in projects that would have attracted investment regardless and therefore failing the additionally principle to which it was supposed to adhere.The funds also continue to support fossil-fuel projects.For these reasons we voted against the establishment of InvestEU.

2016/11/22

. – Parliament calls for the Commission to make a proposal for a new, more secure format for an EU emergency travel document (EU ETD) for unrepresented citizens outside the EU whose passport has been stolen, lost, destroyed or is temporarily unavailable – in order to guarantee their safe return home. The report recognised the fundamental right to consular representation of unrepresented citizens under the same conditions as nationals, enshrined in Article 46 of the Charter for Fundamental Rights. This file does not take away from the rights of the Irish Government and DFA in terms of our consulates/embassies – but provides for an emergency document to return home, when a citizen’s own consular protection is not available in that third country. Therefore, we voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – The proposal for the Euratom research and training programme deals with various programmes for nuclear research, training and energy in Europe.While the aim of this programme is supposed to be enhancing nuclear safety technologies and developing solutions for management of radioactive waste, it has been expanded and enhanced to a wide range of programmes related to nuclear technologies. For these reasons, and because it is not critical of the many dangers associated with nuclear fission energy, we voted against.

2016/11/22

. – This annual report includes many important comments on specific current transparency, governance and policy issues in the ECB that Sinn Féin supports.However, there are many problematic elements, including a call which insists on all Member States joining the Euro and the Banking Union; a call for the sale of non-performing loans and the development of a secondary market to facilitate this; and a call for continued structural reforms within the framework of the Stability and Growth Pack.Although many amendments put forward by Sinn Féin were successfully incorporated into the report at committee level, the report still supports the status quo on economic governance. For these reasons, we voted against.

2016/11/22

. – This report takes stock of the progress on the three pillars of the Banking Union: the Single Supervision Mechanism (SSM), the Single Resolution Mechanism (SRM) and the European Deposit Insurance Scheme (EDIS) and points out several shortcomings in supervision, particularly relating to the prevalence of money laundering in the EU banking system.However, it fails to note the extreme bias used by the SSM in carrying out its stress tests; and it fails to call for the ‘precautionary recapitalisation’ clause of the Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive (BRRD) to be scrapped (a call which is actually in the law in the original BRRD when it was supposed to end two years ago). This is the loophole through which public bailouts have continued.It does not take a strong enough stance calling for the progression of the EDIS. For these reasons, we voted against.

2016/11/22

. – Sinn Féin is opposed to the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the EU and Colombia and Peru, its agenda of economic liberalisation and its white-washing of ongoing human rights abuses. The FTA has helped undermine democracy, social rights, transparency, the environment, and the rights of indigenous people, workers and trade unions. It has damaged the economies of Colombia and Peru, leading to increased trade deficits, and the destruction of local industry. Investment is concentrated in export-oriented industries like mining, coal, gas, and agribusiness, such as palm oil. These industries are also closely associated with serious human rights and environmental abuses.In Colombia, this is endangering the fragile peace process. Over 300 community activists have been murdered since the process began, and far right paramilitaries operate with impunity. A ‘human rights clause’ in the FTA has achieved basically nothing.Despite these serious problems, this report presents an optimistic analysis of the FTA. Sinn Féin and other MEPs proposed some amendments raising concerns about the serious human rights situation, the increasing threat to the peace process, and the worsening economic and environmental impacts, but these were rejected.I therefore voted against the report.

2016/11/22

. – This report, which is in reference to the situation of fundamental rights within the EU included improvements with regard to asylum and migration, particularly in terms of the vulnerability of LGBT+ and women asylum seekers. The report referenced a number of fundamental rights issues, including the need to combat racism, discrimination and the role of the Fundamental Rights Agency in this regard, alongside the need for advancements toward full gender equality. The file does not however, go far enough in highlighting other key current rights-based issues - including no reference to the situation of political prisoners in Catalonia. Therefore, I abstained.

2016/11/22

. – Whilst financial support for customs controls and improved IT systems is desirable for the Member States, especially for Ireland to deal with potential outcomes of Brexit, Sinn Féin had concerns about the massive increase in the EU budget being sought for this programme. For this reason we could not support it.

2016/11/22

. – The Frontex Regulation ((EU) 2016/1624) on the European Border and Coast Guard sets out a number of possibilities for cooperation with third countries. It explicitly provides that the Agency may coordinate operational cooperation between Member States and third countries regarding the management of external borders. The Agreement includes a provision that ʻThe teams shall be allowed to assist Albania in identifying the persons to be readmitted to Albania, in line with the Agreement on the readmission of persons residing without authorisationʼ. The deployment of Frontex outside the EU (i.e. in Albania) is another step towards enhanced cooperation, return and readmission to third countries to reinforce ‘migration management’, and therefore we voted against.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this technical amendment to allow for Croatiaʼs EU membership.The Partnership and Cooperation Agreement has been in force since 1999. This vote did not make any change to the existing agreement, but simply updated the text to reflect Croatiaʼs membership of the EU. Sinn Féin believes that it is Croatiaʼs sovereign right to decide whether or not to accede to this agreement.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report on the EU Kyrgyzstan Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. Kyrgyzstan is one of the poorest countries in Central Asia and has had an association agreement with the EU since 1999; negotiations on a new agreement began in 2017. This report highlights concerns about issues such as media freedom in Kyrgyzstan, while also stating that no new agreement can be introduced without the approval of each Member State and the EU Parliament.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this report. While autonomous cars could have substantial benefits, this report proposes to take away funding from crucial EU structural funds, such as agriculture, maritime and the Cohesion fund, and the Connecting Europe Facility, so that Member States and the industry can invest in self-driving cars. Sinn Fein does not believe the EU should subsidise private industry, and opposes the diverting money from EU structural funds.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this report. This report concerns Member States allowing hauliers to hire and use vehicles in other Member States. This proposal would remove the possibility of Member States to restrict the use of hired vehicles for goods operations in their country. It proposes to keep only the possibility to restrict the use of goods vehicles that are above six tonnes. Every Member State shall allow the use of any vehicle hired by another Member State, allowing use of the hired vehicle for at least four months each year.The report would remove the competency of Member States to restrict haulier’s use of hired vehicles and could lead to breaches on tax. The report also makes no effort to comment on the right of the driver to information on the vehicle hired, and its leasing arrangements.

2016/11/22

. – This Regulation streamlines the procedure to be undertaken when temporarily withdrawing trade preferences. The new generation of trade deals often include what are known as safeguard mechanisms, so that in the instance that increased imports brought about by trade liberalisation takes place in such large quantities so as to cause serious threat to domestic products, they can be suspended.Sinn Féin supports the inclusion of these clauses to give protection to sensitive agricultural products.The Regulation set up a process of monitoring, initiation, investigation, suspension and reporting. There are far greater powers of oversight here than in the existing system. Furthermore, there are greater powers of intervention for the Parliament, national governments and affected sectors. The system of monitoring and reporting on sensitive products is also way above anything happening already for the sector. Despite this, we had major concerns about the fact that injury to trigger a suspension must be to a Union industry as a whole, thereby setting a very high threshold for injury from the point of view of Irish sectors. Since this was a big step forward from a previously vague process that had typically been dealt with through Joint Statements to trade agreements, we abstained.

2016/11/22

. – I had concerns over the application of this programme, including its links to the Integrated Border Management Fund, which is used for the control of persons by EU border agencies. The amended text also states that the programme shall not be used to cover costs related to Brexit in this area. For these reasons I could not support it.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report. This report recommends a simultaneous amendment to the statute of the European Investment Bank in preparation for the British exit from the European Union; however, it endorses an unnecessary increase in bureaucracy at the EIB, increasing the number of alternate directors from 19 to at least 28 without detailing a convincing reason or role for these new positions. Furthermore, this report also endorses an increase in the amount of capital that the EIB holds from Member States. In a time where our country faces the uncertainty of Brexit, struggling to recover from a decade of austerity, we cannot possibly endorse a future increase of Irish taxpayers’ money to be hidden away in the capital reserves of the EIB.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report. Gender mainstreaming is the process of assessing the implications for women and men of any planned action, including legislation, policies or programmes, in all areas and at all levels. The report concerns carrying out gender mainstreaming in the European Parliament and the legislation it passes. Gender mainstreaming is an important tool to advance gender equality. The report calls for the improvement of gender balance in staff and management in the EP, and for the representation of all gender identities and LGBTIQ in policy. It calls for the inclusion of gender mainstreaming in the EU budget, sanctions against misogynistic speech in the plenary, and for insertion into the rules of procedure against hate speech and discriminatory language. It calls for mandatory training for MEPs and staff to prevent sexual harassment. It urges political parties to have balanced gender representation in their candidates for the EU elections.

2016/11/22

. – Due to the colossal amounts of resources being used to finance this project and the lack of progress made, I voted against this file as existing monies could be used to finance and develop existing renewable and clean energies that are viable, in use and have real—life practical applications.

2016/11/22

. – The report is responding to the DG IPOL study published in August 2016 entitled ‘Public Sector Reform: How the EU budget is used to encourage it.’The report calls on the Commission to take a greater role in promoting public sector reform. This is despite that fact that the EU has no direct legal competencies in terms of national public administration.The report argues for a need to tighten up the criteria for ex-ante conditionality. It also supports the reform support programme that is being rolled out in the next MFF that will see EUR 25 billion dedicated to a fund designed to financially incentivise countries to implement structural reforms.While the report includes some positive elements such as recognising the need to avoid ‘wage devaluation and socially unsustainable reforms’ the general theme of the report is increase power to the commission to dictate reforms to the Member States.For these reasons, we voted against the file.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained on this vote. The right to freedom of religion and belief is an important one, and Sinn Féin believes that it should promoted and protected by the international community at the UN level.By creating a special envoy on one right the EU risks promoting a hierarchy of rights while also duplicating existing human rights frameworks. Rather the role of the envoy is another aspect of the EU’s efforts to increase its role in foreign policy and international relationships at the expense of Member States’ sovereignty.

2016/11/22

. – I voted favour of this positive own-initiative report, which highlights the direct and indirect ways that women are disadvantaged by tax systems in the EU. It calls for women to be treated individuals for tax purposes rather than as part of a family unit, which is proven to be the most effective way to end discrimination against women through taxation.

2016/11/22

. – This non-binding report looks at ways to shorten the waiting times for commercial entities in the settlement of disputes. While the settlement of disputes is arguably too long at 3-4 years, there are many more issues at play in this report. The report discusses how the development jurisprudence in some EU countries is not as rich as in others and that companies should not fall victim to this, or as they put it, expose a party to substantial economic risks of a foreign law. However, National Courts are also EU courts, under the EU treaties and national constitutional law. They apply EU law in accordance with rule of law procedures and are sovereign to develop their own jurisprudence in all areas. Sinn Féin does not see any need to establish a European Commercial Court and further disagrees with connotations in the report which would encourage forum shopping. For these reasons I voted against.

2016/11/22

. – Whilst innovation and research are important, the sheer cost of this programme and its increase from 11.4 billion to 16 billion is a colossal sum when the funds could be used instead for progressive social programmes and tackling poverty. There was also the significant concern that this programme could be used to further the aggressive militarisation agenda and weaponise space under the guise of security and defence. For these reasons we voted against this file.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this file because we do not believe the budget planned makes best use of such a large amount of funds. The budget of 9.2 billion is designed to meet the following objectives: high performance computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, advanced digital skills and best use of digital capacity. In my opinion, the most valuable component is the training of citizens to occupy jobs where digital skills are required, however this receives less than 10% of the planned funding for the programme. The remaining funds, over 8 billion, are excessive considering Horizon, a programme with significant overlap, receive over EUR 80 billion in funding annually. The EU MFF is under severe pressure due to increasing priorities. We would like to see planned funding for the CAP and Cohesion protected before we consider creating new budget lines for technology. We are confident that Europe will be able to remain at the forefront of world digitalisation solely through the research and innovation that emerges from Horizon 2020. We would like to see a focus on digital skills in the workforce funded through other programmes.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this report. The agreement aims to increase regulatory alignment between the US and the EU in aviation standards. However, this could result in driving EU safety standards downwards, and neither should the EU be dictating its rules on to third countries. The report as a whole aims towards a single liberalised aviation market. We oppose this as allowing third-party companies in the domestic market should be the decision for each individual Member State. The report says it will create greater cooperation on safety standards, but the agreement is largely secretive and does not disclose exactly how this would occur.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this resolution which responded to Parliament’s consent to the EU-Japan free trade agreement (JEFTA) voted earlier in the week. Earlier this year the European Parliament’s Civil Liberties Committee sent a delegation of MEPs to assess the data protection rules in place in Japan, considering that JEFTA affords the EU and Japanese systems as ‘equivalent’ for the purposes of trade. The resolution highlights the many areas where the two systems are far from equivalent, including that in Japan there is a distinction between ‘personal data’ and ‘personal information’, the former not having as much protection. Additionally, that penalties for data breaches in Japan are not nearly dissuasive enough. The Commission has already committed to evaluating the situation after a certain period of time, but this resolution lays down the parameters of such an evaluation. Since JEFTA poses many difficulties with regard to the protection of EU citizens’ data, we voted in favour of this resolution.

2016/11/22

. – Due to the direct applicability of Article 61(1) of the Financial Regulation on conflicts of interest, the resolution calls for a zero tolerance policy to a politician with a conflict of interest regarding EU funding.Andrej Babiš, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, and a billionaire, is being investigated for fraud related to funding from EU structural funds for SMEs and his ongoing conflict of interests related to his involvement in the Agrofert conglomerate.Stork Nest is a subsidiary of the Agrofert Conglomerate, which was used as a vehicle to illegally access EU funds for SMEs. More generally, the Czech PM has an ongoing conflict of interest as the Agrofert Group takes part in projects subsidised by the Rural Development Programme of the Czech Republic, which in turn is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. Companies belonging to the Agrofert Group have received significant sums from the European Structural and Investment Funds during the 2014-2020 period, ranging from EUR 42 million in 2013 to EUR 82 million in 2017. This is despite the fact that Agrofert posts profits of hundreds of millions each year.In 2017 Mr Babiš transferred his shares in the Agrofert company and in the Agrofert group to two private trust funds. However, he remains the sole settlor and sole beneficiary of both trusts. As the beneficial owner of the Agrofert conglomerate Babiš is in breach of Czech and EU law.For these reasons, we voted in favour of the resolution.

2016/11/22

. – On the Activities of the European Ombudsman in 2017, we voted in favour.The mandate of the European Ombudsman is described in Article 228 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, allowing the office to receive complaints concerning instances of maladministration in the activities of the Union institutions, bodies, offices or agencies, with the exception of the Court of Justice of the European Union acting in its judicial role.Maladministration is defined as ‘poor or failed administration, which occurs if an institution fails to act in accordance with the law, fails to respect the principles of good administration, or violates human rights’.The report approves the 2017 report of activities presented by the European Ombudsman and congratulates her for her work. It notes with great concern that inquiries relating to transparency and accountability, including on access to information and documents, continued to account for the greatest proportion of cases handled by the Ombudsman.As we are supportive of the Ombudsman’s work and what she has done so far with regard to highlighting the lack of transparency in a number of different cases, we voted in favour of this report.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report.The 2017 Annual Report gives an overview of the work of the Committee on Petitions. The Committee’s work programme is mainly established by EU citizens and residents as they exercise their right to petition Parliament and share their concerns over various EU policies and legislation.The Annual Report aims to give a view of the work done by the Committee on Petitions. It provides statistics on the number of petitions received, and closed by the Committee, the countries concerned and the matters raised. This report also covers other aspects such as relations with other EU institutions and national and regional authorities.The report focuses on the activities of 2017. According to the statistics, the European Parliament received 1 271 petitions in 2017. This represents a decrease by 19% compared to 2016 when Parliament received 1 569 petitions. However, users of the petitions web portal have the possibility to support petitions. In 2016, 6 132 users acted as supporters. In 2017, 15 540 users of the portal supported one or several petitions. These numbers show an increase of 153%.As we support the Committee for Petitions, we voted in favour of this report.

2016/11/22

. – Each year technical budgetary adjustments have to be done in terms of both expenditure and revenue. Expenditure adjustments are the result of the differences between what has been committed and what has actually been spent. While revenue can change as a result of forecasting.The DAB 6 adjusts the budget at the end of the period. In this case, the Draft amending budget No 6/2018 decreases the commitment and payment appropriations of budget lines by EUR 48.7 million and EUR 44.7 million respectively, in heading 1a ‘Competitiveness for growth and jobs and heading 2 ‘Sustainable growth – natural resources’.On the revenue side, the DAB 6 makes a revision of the forecast of traditional own resources (i.e. customs duties and sugar sector levies), value-added tax (VAT) and gross national income (GNI) bases, and of the budgeting of the relevant UK corrections and their financing, which all affect the distribution of own resources contributions from Member States to the Union budget.As this was a procedural file with no irregularities, we voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against mobilising the Flexibility Instrument to reinforce heading 3 (Security and citizenship) by EUR 985 629 138. This funding is intended under heading 3 to be used for migration, refugees and security.This would constitute substantial reinforcements, particularly in terms of Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund. The AMIF needs to be radically reformed with integration and safe passage as core aims before we will support any increase to its funding.

2016/11/22

. – The current proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council is not linked to a specific disaster. Instead, it aims at entering into the general budget of the Union for 2019 the amount of EUR 50 million in commitment and payment appropriations for the payment of advances in a timely and efficient way in the event of a disaster occurring next year.This is the direct result of a new provision in the 2014 Amending Regulation 2 (Art. 4a), which aims at speeding up the disbursement of aid to affected countries through the payment of an advance before the final award decision has been taken, thus enhancing the Fund’s effectiveness.For this reason I voted in favour of the mobilisation.

2016/11/22

. – In terms of commitment appropriations (including special instruments), the total expenditure proposed in the second draft budget (DB) 2019 is EUR 165 605.6 million, corresponding to 1.00% of GNI, that is EUR 4 909.2 million more than in 2018 (+ 3.1%). For payment appropriations (including special instruments), the requested total expenditure is EUR 148 198.9 million, corresponding to 0.90% of GNI. This is an increase of EUR 3 431.0 million compared to 2018 (+ 2.4%). The budget has increased in size but remained relatively stable in terms of GNI contributions.While there are a number of funds and instruments in the EU budget that I oppose, the main reason I voted against is that The 2019 budget represent the first budget with a dedicated line for defence. While the EDIDP was previously received funding as a preparatory action, 2019 marks its full inclusion in the budget with 245 million allocated.

2016/11/22

. – I oppose the resolution welcoming of the increase in funding levels to the budget. Furthermore, it welcomed the reinforcement to the EEAS budget line on Strategic Communication Capacity to fight ‘disinformation’.While the rapporteur regretted it orally, the resolution fails to mention the extra 19 million of reserve which was added to Frontex without informing the EP officially.It is a positive that the resolution recognises that the budget ‘does not entirely meet the real need for a sustainable, coherent and efficient Union budget’, however, it fails to mention that this could be addressed by redeploying funding to socially beneficial programmes.For these reason, I decided to vote against the resolution.

2016/11/22

. – The EU and Japan have been negotiating a free trade agreement since 2013. It is being heralded as the ‘most important bilateral trade agreement ever concluded by the EU’ as it will cover a third of world GDP and 40% of world trade. It gained further significance following the withdrawal of the US from TPP. There are a number of glaring issues with the agreement: no legal recognition for the precautionary principle; the TSD chapter is not fully enforceable; a negative list has been set for the protection of public services rather than comprehensive protection; the liberalisation of trade in financial services is not compatible with the post-crisis regulatory framework; there are currently plans to establish an investment protection court; no transparency during negotiations; whaling has not ended in waters around Japan; data protection systems have been recognised as ‘equivalent’, meaning there will be unhindered data flows, and there are no social or environmental conditions to the agreement. For these reasons, we voted against.

2016/11/22

. – This vote related to an accompanying Strategic Partnership Agreement to the Economic Agreement. This Agreement contains broad political commitments for both parties to defend human rights and cooperate on diplomatic, economic, cultural and security issues. The resolution contains a series of platitudes referring to the two parties’ positions as global economic and political leaders. There are statements there lauding Japan for its ‘military restraint’ over the last few decades, however, at the same time, the resolution is full of commitments to cooperate more closely on security issues, including welcoming the Mission of Japan to NATO. Although there are some good elements in the Resolution, in terms of drawing attention to Japan’s use of the death penalty, whaling practices, illegal logging, failure to implement ILO treaties and large animal-testing cosmetics market, the sheer hypocrisy of some of the statements, as well as repeated references to security cooperation, meant we could not support the final text.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report allowing Croatia to accede to the EU-Jordan Euro-Mediterranean Aviation Agreement. This is a national decision for Croatia who should be allowed to join the agreement as they wish.

2016/11/22

. – Horizon Europe is the new framework programme for 2021-2027, designed for maximum impact in the context of the evolving nature of research and innovation, with an architecture designed for enhanced coherence and performance. It is based in three-pillar structure, with each pillar interconnected with the others and complemented by underpinning activities, to strengthen the European Research Area.I voted against this report. The Commission budget proposal is of 94 100 000 000 in current prices for the specific programme Horizon Europe with an addition for the Programme establishing the European defence Fund. I did not feel this increase and the Programme establishing the European Defence Fund would be in Irelands interest and therefore I voted against the report.

2016/11/22

. – Horizon Europe is the new framework programme for 2021-2027, designed for maximum impact in the context of the evolving nature of research and innovation, with an architecture designed for enhanced coherence and performance. It is based in three-pillar structure, with each pillar interconnected with the others and complemented by underpinning activities, to strengthen the European Research Area.The Commission budget proposal is of 94 100 000 000 in current prices for the specific programme Horizon Europe with an addition for the Programme establishing the European Defence Fund.For the reason of the increased budget and the money being spent on the European Defence Fund programme, I voted against the report.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against the Joint Motion For Resolution because of the evident prioritising of EU legislation over Member State rules. The JMR espouses a view that Member State rules should be eliminated if they are viewed as running counter to the Single Market. I think the acceptance of such a view would give the European Commission the green light to strike down any national law that it views as blocking 100% seamless integration of Member States. This view is reflected in the wording of the JMR, when it urges the Commission to make use of instruments to take action against national rules. Member States put rules in place to protect the national interest for legitimate reasons, therefore I reject any further interference by the European Commission on the authority of a Member State to do so. I think further interference in national law would fly in the face of the principle of subsidiarity. I acknowledge a desire for seamlessness but this must be achieved through working with Member States to avoid the disproportionate impacts that a deepening of the Single Market could bring about. It is naive to suggest the deeper the Single Market, the greater the prosperity.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this file.Counter-terrorism is an important concern for all Member States. However, this report does not address fully the multifaceted nature of the terrorist threat in European Member States. This Committee was supposed to evaluate the executives of existing EU counter-terrorism legislation, yet this is missing from the report. The report also fails to address the impact of austerity measures on the effectiveness of community policing and counter-radicalisation measures.The report consistently attempts to conflate counter-terrorism and immigration policy, ignoring the fact that refugees are often fleeing from the same extremist groups that threaten Member States. The report also ignores the serious threat from far-right extremists despite the alarming rise in far-right violence across Europe.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this file, which calls for the EU to develop military structures to give the EU ‘hard power’ to use in international relationships. It also calls for the introduction of qualified majority voting in the council. This is a further effort to undermine the sovereignty of national governments and would allow larger Member States to decide the foreign policy of other Member States.The report also calls for increased militarisation of the EU through both the development of European military structures and deepening EU cooperation with NATO. It makes no allowances for the neutrality of Member States, such as Ireland.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report, which endorses the militarisation of the EU. It calls for Member States to spend 2% of their GDP on defence in line with NATO recommendations, greater EU involvement in national defence policy and more EU military missions paid for out of the EU budget.This report is not only calling for further militarisation via PESCO and the creation of other EU military structures – it also calls for the EU to increase the amount of EU money available for this, meaning that Member States such as Ireland will be contributing financially to military missions, even if we do not participate in them.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on this report. While there are some good elements within this report, there are issues around strengthening branches of the EEAS, along with references calling for the appointment of an EU envoy with responsibility for regulating and monitoring the internet.There is also the Annex section that only highlights the European Parliament resolutions on oppression of prisoners of conscience, but does not have the same focus on human rights defenders, especially those who were not included as it was not possible to table amendments to this Annex.

2016/11/22

. – We fundamentally oppose any funding for spending on military research, armaments and any subsidies that can be used to facilitate an aspiring pan—European military—industrial complex. For Ireland to participate in this is a contravention of our longstanding tradition of military neutrality. For these reasons we voted against this file.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report, as EU transport and energy funding which should rightfully be used for the benefit of citizens, will now be diverted toward dual-use projects to be abused by military forces. Now every project which receives funding can be expected to fulfil military requirements, and create a network for the smooth transportation of troops and weapons across the EU. This fundamentally undermines Ireland’s neutrality – it is unacceptable for transport and energy funding to subsidise the mass weapons industry in Europe. Unfortunately, the CEF will also continue to fund projects which are associated with fossil fuels.However, I welcome that amendments by my colleague Matt Carthy MEP calling for EU transport funding for the west of Ireland were included in the final Parliament report. The entire European Parliament recognised the need to prioritise funding for rail infrastructure on the West of Ireland. For far too long successive Irish Governments have ignored rural Ireland and deprived the region of transport resources. The support for the amendments brings us one step closing to making the Western Rail Corridor a reality.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained on this report. There are some positives in this report particularly on condemning the state clampdown on journalists, the influence the oligarchs have and the lack of action to tackle corruption. However, the report aims to promote neoliberal trade policies.

2016/11/22

. – Regarding Yana Toomʼs report, on education in the digital era, we voted in favour.We voted in favour of this report because it recognised the growing gap between menʼs and women’s participation in the digital sector with respect to education, career pathways and entrepreneurship and stressed that ensuring a gender-balanced approach to the promotion of information and communications technology (ICT) and digital careers is key.The report also recommended that Member States develop digital literacy programmes in Europe’s minority and regional languages and introduce language technology training and tools in their school, university and vocational college curricula.For those reasons, we voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – This report updates the regulation coordinating social security systems across the EU, including cross-border health and unemployment insurance. It advocates the coordination, rather than harmonisation, of national systems, and generally respects the principle of subsidiarity.The report:- provides greater protection for posted workers, and prevents the retroactive approval of unlawful posting;- asks EU countries to provide access to health insurance to economically inactive EU citizens ;- calls for faster processing of ʻhabitual residencyʼ determinations, to allow greater certainty;- allows cross-border and frontier workers to choose where to apply for unemployment benefits; - and allows greater aggregation and transfer of unemployment benefits to other EU countries for up to half a year.This vote was on whether to send the matter on to negotiations with the Commission and Council or to refer it back to committee. While we have serious reservations about some changes, particularly unemployment insurance, there is a serious risk that referring the matter back to committee would open it up to right-wing amendments that would make it worse.We therefore voted in favour of moving forward, though with the reservations mentioned. Sinn Féin will watch this matter closely as negotiations continue.

2016/11/22

. – The Commission has proposed a European Labour Authority (ELA) to facilitate access to relevant information for individuals and employers, support cooperation between Member States in the cross-border enforcement of relevant laws, and facilitate solutions to cross-border disputes between national authorities.Three main areas of concern emerged in committee:- a proposal – later dropped – giving ELA binding dispute settlement powers;- cross-border inspections to combat abusive practices. This will be voluntary, in line with ILO conventions and national law and practice;- our Group also proposed a full tripartite structure (along the lines of other agencies), with social partner representatives (trade unions + employersʼ organisations) from each Member State. The compromise is six European-level social partners (e.g. ETUC and BusinessEurope) equally representing unions and employers.This vote was on whether to move on to negotiations with the Commission and Council or refer the matter back to committee. We are generally supportive of ELA, although the diminished role for the social partners is a problem. ELA will mainly play a facilitating role between national authorities, although its current shape is unsatisfactory, and referring the matter back to committee would open it up for right-wing amendments. We therefore abstained.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report, which sets out the new LIFE programme financial envelope as part of the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework (MFF). LIFE is the EU’s financial instrument supporting environmental, nature conservation and climate action projects throughout the EU and aims, among other objectives, to contribute to the EU’s commitments under the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and the Convention on Biological Diversity.While it could have been a more ambitious report, as the overall climate expenditure target of the Programme was not as far-reaching as it should have been, the new LIFE programme enhances the possibilities for sub-national governments to participate in the Life programme and tries to increase the role of civil society. It also includes resource efficiency, chemicals and noise in the scope of the LIFE programme as well as addressing waste-management issues.

2016/11/22

. – 53% of work-related deaths in the EU are attributable to cancer caused by exposure to carcinogenic substances at work – more than 100 000 deaths a year. The Commission proposes changing the Carcinogens and Mutagens Directive (2004/37/EC) to reduce exposure of workers to 13 key cancer-causing chemicals.Under the revised directive:- Employers must identify and assess risks to workers and prevent exposure;- Less hazardous substances should be substituted where possible;- Exposure to diesel engine exhaust emissions is included, and an occupational exposure limit set at 0.05 mg/m3, on the basis of elemental carbon;- Member States are encouraged to ensure that, as well as penalties, causes and possible solutions are identified, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises;- Social partners are encouraged to conclude social dialogue agreements providing guidance and tools to support the effective implementation of the employers’ obligations;- Member States shall communicate to the Commission the national law and practices that ensure that the competent authorities have sufficient trained staff and resources necessary to carry out proper and effective implementation.This is an important piece of legislation that will save hundreds of thousands of workers’ lives. We therefore voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – The Transparency and sustainability of the EU risk assessment in the food chain report follows the European Citizens Initiative on glyphosate, the Monsanto Papers about ghost-writing of studies, influence of science and national authorities, and specifically the concerns voiced regarding the studies to be used in the evaluation of pesticides, which was highlighted with the Monsanto-glyphosate scandal.In order to address these concerns, the Commission proposed to strengthen transparency in the risk assessment process and to provide additional guarantees in terms of reliability, objectivity and independence of the studies used by EFSA in risk assessments.It’s been a very controversial report from the start. The most conservative Members have tabled many amendments with the aim of delaying the publication of studies and proposing the appointment of members of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) from the agrochemical industry. However, the result was a positive one, which will hopefully end the secrecy around industry data used by the EU for granting market approvals and ensure more transparency in future independent scientific scrutiny of EU food safety decisions, which many of our constituents have been calling for. For all these reasons, I voted in favour of this report.

2016/11/22

. – This is a revision of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop) Founding Regulation. Over the years, Cedefop has broadened the scope of its activities to cover skills and qualifications. On the basis of Cedefop’s data and analyses, in June 2016 the Commission launched ‘A New Skills Agenda for Europe’ to help the 70 million EU citizens who do not have adequate reading, writing, arithmetical and digital skills, and stated its intent to draw on Cedefop’s expertise and skills in this. To maintain good relations among stakeholders and ensure that Cedefop’s remit is not undermined, the agency’s precise role needed clarification.The Commission proposal updates the objectives and tasks of Cedefop and aligns certain provisions with the Common Approach on Decentralised Agencies. The report encourages Cedefop to better match competences and qualifications with evolving demand and increasing labour mobility, including by updating and prioritising its mandate and tasks to reflect better its current activities. It stresses the need to avoid a duplication of activities with the EU agencies EU-OSHA and Eurofound, as well as with the European Commission. I therefore voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – This is a revision of the Regulation establishing the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA). The proposed revision of the founding regulation updates EU-OSHA’s objectives and tasks; creates the opportunity to provide for anti-fraud measures, conflict of interest policy, evaluation and review and the establishment of a headquarters agreement; harmonises the programming and reporting provisions; and updates the terminology.The EMPL report includes a clarification of the scope and role of the agencies, including the provision of research-based policy proposals in the field of health and safety of workers; relations with third countries and international organisations; avoiding duplication with other Union tripartite agencies while promoting cooperation; and ensuring a tripartite, gender balanced, Management Board, appointed from the Member States, plus the participation of three independent experts appointed by the European Parliament, and observer status for Eurofound, Cedefop and the European Training Foundation.I therefore voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – This is a revision of the Founding Regulation of the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound), which dates from 1975.The Commission proposal aims to clarify and update Eurofound’s role, mandate, Management Board and Director appointment processes and terminology. The report from the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs does likewise, underlining the importance of Eurofound’s data being available to the general public. It stresses the need to avoid duplication with other EU agencies, while facilitating cooperation with them and with EU institutions and Member State and international bodies. It also calls for the establishment of a Brussels liaison office, and for observer status representation at Management Board meetings for third-country European Economic Area states. We therefore voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report on type approval following Brexit. Type approval is the testing of vehicles to ensure they meet European standards for emissions and safety. With Brexit, type approval registered in the UK will no longer be an EU approved standard. The proposal allows manufacturers to get EU27 approval instead of their current UK approval, without the bureaucracy of having to repeat the tests. EU authorities will have the right to ask for further documentation on the tests done by UK services in future, as they will be outside EU type approval. The proposal will get rid of legal uncertainty for car manufacturers and owners with regard to their type approval post Brexit.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of an objection to the Commission proposal to increase the maximum residue levels (MRLs) for acetamiprid.Acetamiprid is a ‘systemic’ insecticide, which means that it is sprayed onto plants which then absorb the chemicals and distribute them throughout the plant, in the tissue, pollen and nectar. Acetamiprid and other systemic insecticides thus kill insects in two different ways: insects die when they come into contact with the pesticide, when they are sprayed with it, for example, and also when they ingest parts of plants which have been exposed to the pesticide.On this basis, we voted in favour of the objection, given the effects of acetamiprid, and neonicotinoids in general, on public health and the environment.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report on military mobility. The aim of the report is to create a military Schengen to facilitate smooth transport of troops and equipment and reduce administrative burdens. EUR 6.5 billion of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) will go towards military mobility, and the report welcomes the change of the CEF from civilian funding to instead contribute to military mobility. The report aims to amplify civil-military cooperation and the militarisation of the EU. It enforces the merger of the EU and NATO. It calls for greater collaboration between Member States to achieve military mobility projects. As this report completely undermines the neutrality of Member States, I opposed it.

2016/11/22

. – On the Own Initiative Report on a New European Agenda for Culture, we voted against this report.Whilst the report is good in terms of calling for better supports for artists and assisting them in mobility, there are still many negatives.The report fails to recognise the negative impact that austerity measures has had on the cultural sector and the priorities it set out would not help nurture the sector in Member States and therefore, we voted against.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report. This report deals with the implementation of Euro 5 emission standards on L-category vehicles which include two-wheel and three-wheel vehicles and quads. Euro 5 is an emission standard that restricts pollutant emissions from diesel and petrol vehicles. It will apply to all vehicles from 2020. A study carried out looked at the effect having these standards apply to two/three-wheel vehicles and quads would have. It found that it would be difficult to have these standards apply by 2020 to the sector and recommended that it should get an extension. I support extending the deadline for these vehicles to 2022, as recommended in the Commission proposal. However instead the report pushes the deadline to 2024. I believe this report is unambitious and working to serve the industry rather than the environment. For these reasons, I voted against.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour. This vote was simply on the codification of an existing regulation with no change to the content.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this agreement as I do not believe the text sufficiently presented all the facts. Samoa is listed on the Council of the European Union’s black list of countries which are labelled as not cooperative tax jurisdictions. This fact was omitted from the text and therefore the text did not make it possible for a fully informed decision to be made on whether the agreement should be validated by Parliament. In the event that the information had been detailed, I would hold reservations about approving any trade agreement with a country that aids international tax avoidance.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this file in order for funds to be released from the EGF for the 550 workers made redundant in May this year in the Attica region of Greece. The 550 workers were made redundant in the publishing sector. The Attica region accounts for a large proportion of unemployment and long-term unemployment in Greece where unemployment still remains high. The application meets the conditions set out in point (b) of Article 4(1) of the EGF Regulation. Therefore, Greece is entitled to a financial contribution of EUR 2 308 500, which represents 60% of the total cost of EUR 3 847 500. I agree with the rationale put forward by Greece that claims the redundancies were linked to the global financial and economic crisis, more particularly its effects on the Greek economy including a decline in per capita real GDP, rising unemployment, decreasing salaries and reduced household income. This has already had a significant adverse effect on the local economy. The impact of the layoffs is linked to the difficulties of re-employment due to the scarcity of jobs.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of the report aimed at challenging the Commission’s attempts to reintroduce border controls for indefinite periods of time. The report states the reintroduction of border controls is a last resort and requires a time limit. The file provides for Member States to give precedence to alternative measures, and highlights that any derogation from the fundamental principle of free movement of persons should be interpreted strictly, alongside the need for Member States to submit a risk assessment concerning the Commission’s intended aim to prolong controls.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report. The amendment to the report is to reduce restrictions on ‘wet-leasing’. Wet-leasing is an arrangement where one airline (the lessor) provides an aircraft, complete crew, maintenance, fuel, airport fees and insurance to another airline (the lessee). Wet-leasing is traditionally arranged during peak seasonal periods. Following an agreement with the US on wet-leasing, this amendment looks to align this regulation with the agreement to allow flexibility for wet-leasing with third countries. The amendment will remove restrictions on wet-leasing in this legislation so that wet-leasing with third countries can instead be arranged through individual air transport agreements with third countries. This would have major repercussions for the aviation market in Europe. It would lead to opening the air market up to unrestricted wet-leasing with third countries, and allow wet-leasing to become a permanent feature in airline business models. Increased wet-leasing would contribute to lower quality of services, less passenger rights and lower social standards for workers. For Member States with nationalised air services, this change in regulation would be a particular threat.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this resolution, which was proposed by GUE/NGL, the Greens and the Socialists and Democrats. The cum-ex scandal is the largest tax fraud case in history and involves bankers and lawyers stealing EUR 55 billion from the public treasuries of 11 Member States. A criminal investigation is going on in Germany. The scheme is based on a series of at least three transactions including short-selling in the run-up to dividend day. Cum-ex deals are characterised by banks and stockbrokers rapidly trading shares with (‘cum’) and without (‘ex’) dividend rights, with the aim of being able to conceal the identity of the actual owner. The scheme allows both parties to claim tax rebates on capital gains tax that had only been paid once. The resolution condemns the fraud and points out it has the characteristics of criminality. It calls for an inquiry by the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) and European Banking Authority (EBA) to identify the shortcomings of local financial supervision in the Member States affected. It makes several demands on the Commission and the financial supervisory authorities for investigation and sanctions.

2016/11/22

. – The European Parliament’s Petitions Committee have received numerous complaints over the past decade on the German Youth Welfare Office in cross-border family disputes, particularly based on discrimination in language and nationality. The Motion for a Resolution (MR) rightly condemns any discrimination in this regard. The European Court of Human Rights have found the Jugendamt to be in breach of Article 8 (ECHR), and Article 41 Convention on Human Rights previously. However, the MR intrusively increases the power of the Commission over this competency of the Member States; therefore, we abstained on this file.

2016/11/22

. – This report was written in response to the current crisis facing the WTO. The US has been blocking the appointment of judges to the WTO’s appellate body for years now, thus starving the WTO of one of its primary and most useful functions. The WTO has also been unable to conclude a new development round since Doha 2001. The resolution is balanced in terms of the increasing need to change the power structures to accommodate developing countries, and the need to use WTO structures to push further environmental, labour, and gender equality goals. Plurilateral action on many of these issues is much needed. That said, there was an undue emphasis in the report on pushing for liberal market structures through WTO engagements, including on procurement, IP, investment protection and PPPs. For these reasons, we abstained.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained on this report concerning Serbia’s progress towards EU membership. The report highlights outstanding reforms required for Serbia to meet the cohesion criteria to join the EU. It furthermore calls for Serbia to align its national foreign policy with the EU. We do not believe that the EU should dictate the foreign policy of any sovereign state, especially non-Member States. If Serbia decides to join the EU in the future, it will be its decision alone regarding participation in the EU’s foreign policy.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained on this report concerning Kosovo’s progress towards EU membership. It recognises the challenges facing Kosovo reaching EU membership, such as the need for recognition of Kosovo’s independence by all EU Member States and also the widespread poverty and unemployment currently in Kosovo. The report attempts to influence the foreign policy of Kosovo by calling for increased alignment with EU foreign policy. I do not believe that the EU should dictate the foreign policy of any sovereign state, especially non-Member States. If Kosovo decides to join the EU in the future, it will be their decision alone regarding participation in the EU’s foreign policy.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained on this report concerning progress by the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYRM) towards EU membership. The report highlights progress made in a number of areas, such as the settlement of the name dispute with Greece. However, the report mentions the FYRM’s progress towards NATO membership several times and conflates this with progress towards EU membership. Security and defence is a Member State competency and should have no relevance regarding EU membership.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained on this report concerning Albania’s progress towards EU membership. EU membership is a question for Albanian to decide on the basis of its national needs, yet this report views EU enlargement as a goal to be pursued regardless of the needs or wishes of potential member states. The report welcomes the cooperation between Albania and Frontex, with no recognition of the negative impact of EU external border policies on the migration crisis.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained in this report concerning Montenegro’s progress towards EU membership. This report suggests that membership for Montenegro is a possibility in the next few years, however such a short time frame may be unrealistic. The report calls for Montenegro to cooperate with Frontex and to align their national foreign policy with the EU. This report does not recognise the negative impact EU external border policies on the migration crisis. Furthermore, I do not believe that the EU should dictate the foreign policy of any sovereign state, especially non-Member States. If Montenegro decides to join the EU in the future, it will be there decision alone regarding participation in the EU’s foreign policy.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report. The report highlights the importance of academic freedom and the fact that academia is becoming increasingly vulnerable to interference from multinational corporations or repression from political forces. An example of this is the closure of the Central European University in Hungary for political reasons.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report to address the circumstances of women with disabilities. The report lays out the discrimination faced by women with disabilities, with only 18.8% of women with disabilities employed in the EU, in comparison with 35% of men with disabilities. The report calls for the need to collect gender-disaggregated data for the European Disability Strategy and to enable women with disabilities to vote and stand for election. It gives recommendations calling on Member States to carry out policies for the prevention and treatment, rehabilitation and integration of people with disabilities and support for their families. It underlines that women with disabilities require access to education, healthcare, bodily autonomy, employment, mobility, and digital and media inclusion. It calls to promote the integration of people with disabilities into the labour market and give them access to equal opportunities. It calls on Member States to create specific labour regulation regarding the labour needs of people with disabilities, such as their working hours, regarding pregnancy and maternity, and safeguarding permanence in the labour market.

2016/11/22

. – This was a procedural vote on whether to progress this important file to trilogue negotiations with the European Commission and Council.While the draft text already agreed in the EMPL Committee was not completely satisfactory, and many of the better proposals were not included and some negative changes were made, it represented an overall improvement on the Commission proposal. If the file were to be sent back to the EMPL Committee, many of the progressive improvements would have been lost.These include the inclusion of all workers under the directive regardless of their employment relations in terms of working hours per month, and an obligation that employers provide workers with written information (for instance contracts) concerning the employment relationship on the first day of work at the latest.I therefore voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on this report, which covers a large range of issues. The report improves on compensation measures for passengers due to delayed trains, cancelled trains and missed connections. I also welcomed the reduction of the notification period required before travel for people with disabilities, as it is important that people with disabilities can access public transport without any restrictions. Increased required space for bicycles on board trains is also welcomed. However, this report contains a loophole allowing for transport undertakings to not pay compensation if they can prove freak weather conditions. I feel this could be exploited by transport companies and their legal teams and sets a dangerous precedent in the report. Furthermore this report calls for enforcement bodies to be set up in Member States which would duplicate the already existing structures in Member States. The requirement for transport undertakings to report to the EU Railway Agency and for the European Commission to be a body of oversight would remove the power and the competency from the Member States. For these reasons I abstained.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report, which is a recast of the 2004 Regulation on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POP). It aims at introducing new substantive changes, such as replacing references to a regulatory committee which no longer exists and reflecting the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty and subsequent changes in comitology procedures.The report also envisages the transfer of administrative, technical and scientific tasks to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), as well as updating definitions, updating reporting requirements and updating the Annexes of the regulation in order to align the EU legislation on POPs to the most recent international regulatory standards within the framework of the Stockholm Convention and the POPs Protocol. The new modifications introduced are related to assess the danger to human health of mixture and articles in substances already identified within the POPs list, and to update the concerned concentration threshold of such substances.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained on this report. I welcome that the report recognises the important role of carers. 75% of carers in the EU are women, and this responsibility can lead to women having zero work-life balance. However, this report calls for an EU Directive on Carers and to create a legal framework for care services. While further support must be given to carers, this can be done effectively at Member State level and without multiple layers of EU bureaucracy. This is an issue which can be addressed within the power of Member States, and should not handed over to the European Commission. Worryingly, this report further seeks to prioritise informal care services, when what we need instead is effective public service systems so that families and in particularly women, are not left alone when a family member needs care due to illness or to care for young or elderly family members. Affordable childcare must and can be delivered, and we need a compassionate society that takes care of the most vulnerable. Carers play an important role, and we must not allow Member States to shirk their responsibilities to provide public services to take care of their vulnerable citizens.

2016/11/22

. – Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by Borrelia bacteria, spread by ticks. It is one of the most common zoonotic diseases in Europe. Due to it being a difficult disease to diagnose, we can only estimate how many people in Europe are infected by it. The estimated figure of persons infected stands at between 650 000 and 800 000. Infected ticks and the disease are expanding geographically, with a huge increase in the number of cases even being reported in Ireland. This increase in cases is suspected to be caused by climate change.Ultimately, I voted in favour of this resolution as it recognises Lyme disease as an occupational disease for farmers, forestry workers and field researchers in the countries in which it is present. It a so calls for additional funding on the methods for diagnosing and treating Lyme disease and fostering the research efforts as well as increased international cooperation.The resolution also highlighted that early diagnosis of Lyme disease can significantly reduce the number of later-stage cases, thus improving the quality of life of patients.

2016/11/22

. – The MFF Interim Report is largely in line with the two previous resolutions that came through plenary on 14 March and 30 May respectively.I voted against the MFF Interim Report because it calls for the increase of GNI contributions from Member States to be increased to 1.3 percent. Furthermore, it supports the deepening of the European Monetary Union, the empowerment of the Commission to impose structural reforms, and drastically escalates the militarisation of the EU.Sinn Féin supported a number of positions taken in the report, particularly to maintain CAP and cohesion funding at current levels, as well as reinforcing a number of socially beneficial programmes such as Horizon and Erasmus. However despite these positive elements, I voted against the report for the reasons listed above.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this proposal, which will provide two additional categories of public sending that should be exempt from EU state aid rules. The proposal relates to new proposals in the MFF (EU budget) for horizontal and sectoral EU funding programmes. The proposal is to modify the current enabling regulation governing state aid rules to ensure that the current list of exemptions – spending that can be exempt from the state aid rules such as environmental, social or SME protection for example – is expanded. Two new categories are added by this proposal: Member States’ financing channelled through or supported by EU financial instruments or budgetary guarantees managed centrally by the Commission; and spending for European Territorial Cooperation. As the proposal will provide more flexibility in the existing state aid rules, we voted to support it.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report which calls for stricter controls on arms exports from EU Member States, this report specifically calls for an end to all arms sales to authoritarian governments and active conflict zones, which violate the EU Common Position on Arms Exports.The common position establishes minimum standards for arms exports, intended to prevent European arms fuelling conflicts around the world. This report highlights that EU Member States have consistently violated these minimum standards and calls for stronger action to be taken to end all arms sales which violate the Common Position.It also highlights that due to differences in data collection the data for some Member States (such as Ireland) is incomplete, and that dual use goods are not currently covered by the common position. As well as stressing that any EU support for military research cannot be used to encourage arms exports which violate the Common Position.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on this vote on the outcome of trilogue negotiations. The proposal calls for minimum standards for the national competent authorities (NCAs) enforcing competition policy in the EU on their political independence and resourcing; their investigative powers; sanctions to be applied for non-compliance; fines; and mutual assistance between NCAs in different Member States. I am favour of all of these requirements being enacted in the Irish state, particularly as the Irish authorities have failed to tackle the cartels in banking and the insurance industry. However, I believe the power to enact such standards should remain in the hands of Member States, so I abstained rather than fully supporting the proposal.

2016/11/22

. – This was an update to the basic regulatory framework for telecommunications in Europe, from landlines to broadband and radio spectrum. The Code contains all the rules that National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs – ComReg in Ireland’s case) must abide by when regulating market access, provision of services, penalties, ensuring fair competition, etc. Unfortunately, the main thrust of the code is set out to serve private telecommunication operators rather than consumers, making it easier for companies to access markets. And also, while there seems to have been a great deal of discussion about the role of NRAs in regulating the market, they are in a straightjacket in terms of what they can do for consumers around their obligations to protect and harmonise the liberalised internal market. However, there were a number of important elements in the file, including a universal service obligation for broadband and articles on the provision of affordable broadband. Member States are now under an obligation to make low tariff options available to low-income earners, microenterprises and non-profit organisations. There is also an obligation to conduct a geographical review of broadband cover and tender or provide services for identified territories within a certain period of time. For these reasons, we abstained.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this report, which contains the rules, procedures and administrative operations of the Body of European Electronic Communications. The mission of the BERC is to assist the Commission and NRAs in the implementation of EU telecoms rules. It is comprised of the BERC office in Latvia, and the Board of Regulators, which is the CEOs of the NRAs. The original plan of the Commission was to turn the BERC into a fully-fledged agency, capable of taking regulatory, administrative, financial and some legally binding decisions on application of the law. While the Commission did not succeed fully in this federalist exercise, the role of the BERC has been bolstered considerably at the expense of National Regulatory Authorities. Sinn Féin disagrees with any attempts to move powers from national regulatory bodies to new federalist structures, therefore we voted against.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this ambitious report, which sets the first-ever CO2 emission performance standards for new heavy-duty vehicles in the EU.The report is an improvement from the Commission proposal, as reductions targets have been increased to 35% by 2030 with an intermediate target of 20% by 2025, subject to the review provided for in the proposal; it also introduces a binding minimum share of zero- and low-emission vehicles for each manufacturer both in 2025 and in 2030 of 5% and 20% respectively. Heavy-duty vehicles are responsible for around a quarter of CO2 emissions from road transport in the EU. Therefore, this vote was crucial, as without further action, their emissions are expected to grow due to increasing road transport volumes.

2016/11/22

. – In 2016, the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling on the European Commission to establish an ‘EU mechanism on democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights’ – the so-called ‘DRF Pact’.Sinn Féin MEPs opposed this proposal then, because – while some of the language and ideas were positive – the implementation of the DRF Pact would actually have serious consequences for national sovereignty by empowering the Commission to further interfere in national affairs.The DRF Pact would create ‘a tool for compliance with the enforcement of the Charter and Treaties’, and would allow the Commission to apply ‘binding and corrective mechanisms’ to ‘protect the common values of the Union’ and power to ‘correct breaches of Union values’ – going beyond Article 7 TEU, but without the important checks and balances in that mechanism.In the two years since that, neither the Council nor the Commission have taken steps to create this mechanism. This resolution is intended to pressure both institutions to act on that vote, particularly in light of the ongoing rule of law problems in several Member States.As I still have serious concerns over the DRF Pact, I voted against.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this report. While Georgia, like other eastern neighbourhood countries, has a specific association agreement, this report supports the extension of neoliberal economic policies as being a requirement for the EU Georgia association agreement and supports the further extension of common EU foreign and security policy through the involvement of Georgia in EU military missions.The report also pays insufficient attention to problems such as high levels of poverty in Georgia and the negative impact economic liberalisation has on poverty levels.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained on this report, which highlights important concerns about the lack of political freedom and concerns over the shrinking space for democracy and the lack of media freedom and protection for human rights in Moldova.While there are positive aspects in this report it unfortunately calls for the expansion of EU common foreign and security policy and sees Moldova’s relationship with the EU as being in opposition to Moldova freely developing its relationships with other non-EU states.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this REPORT, which came as a result of the deadlock on negotiations between EP and Council in the framework of the previous recast of the Visa Code. The REPORT calls for safe and legal pathways into the EU, including the exclusion of all types of wording that could create possible opening to externalise the asylum procedure. It takes into account the gender perspective, with particular reference to the vulnerability of women and girls in the context of seeking asylum. It remains dedicated to highlighting the human cost of current asylum policies, with reference to the 30,000 deaths at least at the EU’s borders since 2000, and how the EU needs to be in line with its own Treaty requirements in respect of human dignity and human rights (Article 2, TEU).

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of mobilising the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) to grant financial assistance related to flooding in Latvia.This natural disaster in 2017 caused a great deal of destruction in the regions affected, which qualify as ‘less developed regions’.In their application, the Latvian authorities estimated the total direct damage caused by the disaster at EUR 380.5 million. This amount exceeds the ʻmajor disaster thresholdʼ for mobilising the EUSF applicable to Latvia in 2017, that is to say, EUR 145 740 000 (i.e. 0.6% of Latvia’s gross national income based on 2015 data). Therefore, the Commission proposes to apply the rate of 2.5% of the total direct damage up to the level of Latvia’s ʻmajor disasterʼ threshold. The total amount of aid proposed is thus EUR 17 730 519. We voted in favour because the application meets the necessary criteria. Furthermore, we support Latvia’s claim for assistance because solidarity among Member States must lead to real action in times of need.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report, which calls for a new EU-level Action Plan on development assistance in the field of education. The current communication on this topic dates back to 2002, and since then there has been a decrease in development aid in this area. The report addresses issues indirectly related to education, such as access to electricity and drinking-water in schools, the need for quality education, inclusive education, empowerment of girls and women through the system, and teacher training. It also refers to additional actions that Member States can take, such as scholarship schemes and free education for refugees, and to the fact that digital technologies support educational efforts, rather than replacing them. This was a good report, and we therefore voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained on this vote on the outcome of trilogues. Last January, we voted in favour of the Parliament’s report because it heightened the ambition of this Directive. However, the Council has watered down the ambition to an energy target of 32.5% with only indicative national energy efficiency contributions, rather than targets. This means that now the energy efficiency targets are not even binding on Member States. Moreover, obligations on energy poverty have been reduced to footnotes, in that Member States now only have to ‘take into account’ the need to alleviate energy poverty. There are also still loopholes in the articles on energy savings because of the reformulation of the calculation for energy efficiency, and the exemption for the transport and the ETS sectors. While I agree with the aim of the Directive to increase the use of renewable energy, I do not have confidence that the agreement will lead to sufficient energy savings and I believe it will require Member States to go above and beyond their targets.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on this vote on the outcome of negotiations to set in place a Regulation on the Governance of the Energy Union. This Regulation is about streamlining the planning, monitoring and reporting obligations of the EU energy and climate legislation. It would mandate the creation of national energy and climate plans, outlining how Member States intend to meet the goals of the Energy Union. These plans are to be in place from 31 December 2019 and every 10 years thereafter.Although there are acceptable elements on transparency, public consultation and energy poverty, the reporting is still with the ‘view to collectively achieve the Energy Union objectives’, which has the internal energy market and competitiveness as two of its five dimensions. Sinn Fein is opposed to the Energy Union because of the subsidiarity issues of giving the Commission oversight over Member State energy policy and the development of an EU-wide liberalised energy market. The governance provisions in this Regulation, however, would increase transparency and public oversight. For this reason, I abstained.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on the vote on the outcome of negotiations to revise the Renewable Energy Directive. Under the original Directive, Member States committed themselves to national binding targets on renewable energy, collectively reaching 20% by 2020. The recast of this Directive sets targets for 2030, but the agreement from trilogues fails to lay down binding national targets, instead containing only a 32% Union-wide target. This will be ineffective in implementation, given that countries like Ireland have even failed to reach their 2020 targets in spite of them being binding targets.Positive elements of the agreement include provisions on rights for self-consumers of renewable energy and renewable energy communities, a 15% target of renewable energy in the transport sector by 2030, and specific rules for biofuels. For the first time, there will be a certified procedure for biofuels with low indirect land-use change and palm oil will be phased out by 2023.However, negative aspects of the agreement relate especially to the provisions on support schemes for renewable energy, driving development of an EU energy market. Sinn Féin opposes the development of the EU Energy Union because of the subsidiarity issues and the development of an EU-wide liberalised energy market.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against the report. There was no detailed assessment of the socio-economic impacts this plan would have. Furthermore, the report, as adopted in the PECH committee, is a threat for the survival of both anchovies and sardines, which means a serious threat for fishers. According to scientific evidence published by STECF and the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean, both species are likely to collapse in the coming years if there is no change in approach to fisheries management in the Adriatic Sea. Ireland has little to no direct interests in the Adriatic or in sardines and anchovy stocks.

2016/11/22

. – This resolution criticises the lack of political independence of Romania’s judicial system, which has diminished its capacity to fight corruption effectively. In doing this, it relies on the reports by relevant international bodies such as the Venice Commission, and largely avoids sweeping generalised criticism of Romania or interfering with its sovereignty. It also criticises human rights violations in relation to media freedom, LGTBI rights and police violence.These criticisms are largely justified, but the resolution does not refer to the Article 7 TEU mechanism for compliance that was activated in the cases of Poland and Hungary, and it is not clear that Article 7 would be an appropriate response. Instead, it calls for the creation of a strong ‘EU mechanism on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights’ – the so-called ‘DRF Pact’.However, Sinn Féin opposes this DRF Pact, which would have serious consequences for national sovereignty, empowering the Commission to apply ‘binding and corrective mechanisms’, interfering in national affairs beyond the scope of Article 7 but without the important checks and balances in that mechanism. We do recognise, however, that there are genuine problems in Romania. We therefore abstained.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report, which recognises the need for the protection of national minorities, as provided for in the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. The text includes specific sections on national minorities’ cultural rights, educational needs and language rights. The report also notes a rise in hate crime and hate speech, motivated by racism, xenophobia and religious intolerance, directed at minorities, and asserts the need for Member States to step up the fight against discriminatory attitudes and behaviour.It notes that an estimated one person in 1 000 uses a national sign language as their first language, and urges that these languages be afforded official status. It also recognises that education in a minority language cannot be used as an excuse to segregate children on the basis of ethnic, national, religious or other criteria.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on this report, which was a response to the Commission’s ‘Digital 4 Development document’. While we have nothing against digitalisation in development countries, in parts the emphasis of the Resolution is way off. The number of mobile users is actually surpassing those with access to electricity, sanitation or clean water. Also, poverty eradication in the countries targeted by the legislation is also not referred to. The Resolution does note that the introduction of digital technology has often outpaced the establishment of state institutions, regulations or ways to address challenges digitalisation brings (data security, privacy, cybersecurity, monopolies and fair competition). However it offers no solutions to this problem. In parts, it is clear that the motivation for the report is to assist EU-based telecommunication companies competing with the US and China in the region, and to improve the business environment rather than development concerns. For these reasons I abstained on the final vote.

2016/11/22

. – The charge in this case relates to incitement to discrimination on grounds of nationality, race or religion by means of images and electronic public communication. In November 2016, Front National published a handbook stating that priority should be given to French people in the allocation of social housing. Since this this charge does not relate to a statement made in the normal course of the MEPs activities, and since Mr Briois was not elected to the European Parliament at the time of publication, I voted to waive the immunity.

2016/11/22

. – The charge in this case relates to incitement to discrimination on grounds of nationality, race or religion by means of images and electronic public communication. In November 2016, Front National published a handbook stating that priority should be given to French people in the allocation of social housing. Since this this charge does not relate to a statement made in the normal course of the MEPs activities, and since Mrs Montel was not elected to the European Parliament at the time of publication, I voted to waive the immunity.

2016/11/22

. – This case follows a similar request for immunity waiver from the previous plenary session related to the bankruptcy of Mr Kyrtsos’ publishing house in Greece. In this instance, the case relates to the non-payment of a bonus to one of his former employees, contravening Greek law.Since this has nothing to do with the individual’s role as an MEP, I voted to waive immunity.

2016/11/22

. – I voted to abstain on this report on the Council’s position on the draft general budget of the European Union for 2019.This report represents an improvement compared to the Council’s position in a number of ways. An important example of this would be the fact it calls to replace the funds that had been taken from Horizon and CEF and moved to the EFSI. Generally, the report calls for the re-establishment of Parliament’s original position on most budgetary lines. This entails the reinforcement of a number of positive, socially beneficial programs that had been disproportionally hit by Council’s attempts to reduce the budget, and maintain greater margins and therefore flexibility.Despite certain relative positives when compared to the Council’s positions, there are still many elements of the EU budget that I oppose, as well as the overall expansion of the budget. For these reasons, I could not vote in favour. However, due to the fact that this report is a response to the Council’s position, to which I also object, I chose to abstain rather than vote against.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report since it contained recommendations for a more integrated Economic Union. Specifically, it advocates Member States participating in more structural reforms, for example in the area of financing. Since Sinn Féin believes that decisions involving national financing should remain a competence of sovereign national governments, I voted against.

2016/11/22

. – This report is part of a series of follow-up measures to the Prüm decision, prioritising increased cross-border co-operation, primarily aimed at stepping up data exchange (DNA, fingerprints, vehicle registration data).The report is asking Parliament to consent to the implementing decisions. Sinn Féin remains opposed to the Prüm decision, alongside the enforcement narrative of collecting and exchanging more personal data, and recommends instead an in-depth analysis and evaluation of the current instruments, to demonstrate their necessity and proportionality, as required by the Charter. This report concerns the launch of automated data exchange, which means bulk data transmission, in respect of dactyloscopic date exchange in Ireland, relying on the analysis and classification of patterns observed in individual prints. Therefore, I voted against.

2016/11/22

. – This report is part of a series of follow-ups to the Prüm Decision, prioritising a step-up on cross-border cooperation, primarily aimed at stepping up data exchange (DNA, fingerprints, vehicle registration data).The report is asking Parliament to consent to the implementing decisions. Sinn Féin opposes the Prüm Decision alongside the enforcement narrative of collecting and exchanging more personal data, recommending instead an in-depth analysis and evaluation of the current instruments to demonstrate their necessity and proportionality, as required by the Charter. This report regards the launch of automated data exchange, which means bulk data transmission with regard to DNA data in Ireland, therefore relating to cells to contrast DNA, which could be taken from hair, saliva, blood, skin, etc. Therefore, I voted against.

2016/11/22

. – This report is part of a series of follow-ups to the Prüm Decision, prioritising a step-up on cross-border cooperation, primarily aimed at stepping up data exchange (DNA, fingerprints, vehicle registration data).The report is asking Parliament to consent to the implementing decisions. We remain opposed to the Prüm Decision alongside the enforcement narrative of collecting and exchanging more personal data, recommending instead an in-depth analysis and evaluation of the current instruments to demonstrate their necessity and proportionality, as required by the Charter. This report is regarding the launch of automated data exchange, which means bulk data transmission – with regard to dactyloscopic data exchange in Croatia – which relies on the analysis and classification of patterns observed in individual prints. Therefore, I voted against.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report. As shadow rapporteur for this new directive, I negotiated the measures in this directive, ranging from bans on certain single use plastics to awareness-raising measures for others. The final outcome was satisfactory, in that the definition of ‘single use plastic product’ was broadened, removing potential for loopholes, and the integrity of the provisions on extended producer responsibility was maintained. Most attempts to weaken the measures in this directive failed, and so the final outcome is a Parliament position that improves the Commission’s proposal.I succeeded in inserting an article on provisions for sanitary items, that introduces an obligation on Member States to prevent hazardous chemicals from entering the composition of all menstrual products. Moreover, my amendment calling on the Commission to come forward with a programme on cleaning the oceans of plastic also succeeded. This directive will reduce plastic pollution in the marine environment, which currently adds up to 75% of marine litter.

2016/11/22

. – This is a three-part package, which consist of the SIS II in the field of police and judicial co-operation, border checks and return of illegally staying third country nationals. If someone has absconded or attempted to cross EU borders irregularly, this is to be taken as grounds to enter them onto the SIS II system. The provisions lead to further criminalisation of those considered ‘irregular’ migrants, and may have serious impacts to the rights of those seeking asylum. Europol and EBCG (ex-Frontex) have enhances access to the SIS. Although the overall data protection issue is not as problematic as it has been in other files, it remains unsatisfactory. The scope has enlarged with regard to the crimes, the people suspected and the type of information collected - therefore these new Regulations constitute a major violation of fundamental rights. The EU are adopting more repressive and controlling criminalisation policies in the pretext of ‘protecting external borders and the area of freedom. Therefore, I voted against.

2016/11/22

. – The SIS is a large-scale information system, which enables competent authorities of the MS to enter and consult data on ‘wanted persons, persons who may not have the right to enter or stay in the EU, missing persons - in particular children’. It also includes a mandatory field of clear instructions for the competent authorities on what to do with that person or object. Europol, Eurojust and the EBCG (ex-Frontex) have access to the SIS. The proposal maintained the Commission’s provisions of introducing a new type of checks: the inquiry checks - allowing authorities to stop and question the person concerns, even if they don’t fully realise they are being subject to questioning; thus a potential to collect information which could be held against them in future. It also retains biometrics in DNA as an element of SIS II, photographs/facial images, fingerprints and palm prints. Further to this, a new action is introduced in the SIS for cases when ‘based on clear indication a person is suspected of intending to commit...’ which contravenes the principle of assumption of innocence and puts the person concerned under a very serious risk of violation of his/her/their rights. Therefore, I voted against.

2016/11/22

. – SIS alerts on return is a new element, which in practice, further mixes up so-called irregular migration with criminality. According to the Commission, these alerts are created to support competent authorities of the Member State to enforce return decisions and identify those subject to return who have absconded in another Member State. We remain firmly against this obligation to Member State to issue alters and entry bans in the SIS for all the return decisions. There is also provision for a derogation to the general rule making it possible to transfer personal data, obtained by Member States pursuant to the Returns Directive regulation, to third countries when necessary for the completion of the return. This includes even when the return is not done under the provisions of a proper readmission agreement - thus, data may also be transferred to third countries who do not respect human rights, violating the rights of the concerned person. This upholds further criminalisation of so-called irregular migration and a risk that the new provisions will have the opposite effect, contributing to further precariousness of the so-called irregular migrants, and favouring the traffickers of human beings. Therefore, I voted against.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report, which makes some minor changes to existing common rules on the structures of excise duty applied to alcohol and alcoholic beverages, including beer and wine. The existing EU Directive (from 1992) defines and classifies the different types of alcohol and provides a legal framework for reduced rates, exemptions, and derogations in some sectors, like intermediate products used in wine preparation. An evaluation in 2014 of the existing Directive found that the large variation in duty levels between Member States provides a strong incentive for tax evasion, and disproportionate administrative and compliance costs discriminate against SMEs.

2016/11/22

. – I once again strongly supported the objection to renewing the authorisation of this variety of GM maize. The draft Commission implementing decision aimed at renewing the authorisation for the placing on the market of foods and food ingredients, feed, and products other than food and feed containing, consisting of, or produced from maize NK603 × MON 810. Maize NK603 × MON 810 is resistant to lepidopteran insects (corn borer, stem borer) and tolerant to glyphosate-containing herbicides. This is contrary to the precautionary principle, and it is now obvious that these proposals are never supported by a qualified majority of votes in plenary sessions.

2016/11/22

. – I strongly supported the objection to the authorisation of this variety of GM maize. Maize MON 87427 × MON 89034 × 1507 × MON 88017 × 59122, on the other hand, is resistant to lepidopteran and coleopteran insects and tolerant to both glyphosate-containing herbicides and glufosinate ammonium-based herbicides. Moreover, the authorisation of products containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified maize MON 87427 × MON 89034 × 1507 × MON 88017 × 59122, would not imply authorising a single GMO variety, but would involve authorising 15 GMOs at once, many of which have not even been created, and no safety tests have been conducted. It is unacceptable that the Commission continues to propose the authorisation of GMOs, and Sinn Féin will continue to object to this ongoing practice.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report, which was a consultation on the parliamentary immunity of Italian MEP Alfonso Luigi Marra. When an MEP faces criminal or civil proceedings in their Member State, procedure dictates that they must stay proceedings until such time as the European Parliament has given a recommendation on the waiver or protection of parliamentary immunity. In this case Marra (Forza Italia MEP from 1995-1999) was accused of defamatory statements made in a leaflet in 1996. However, the Courts did not refer to the European Parliament on the issue of immunity and instead made a judgement against him. Since the law regarding parliamentary immunity has changed since this time, the Parliament on this occasion was consulted on the matter rather than asked to waive or uphold immunity. Since the ECJ has already found that the comments were not an expression of opinion in the course of the MEP’s duties but rather an attempt to attribute wrongdoing unconnected to his political activities, I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – This case concerns an allegation of criminal offences of extortion, threat and fraud, specifically fraud affecting the financial interests of the EU. This resulted in a loss of more than EUR 73 000 from misappropriation of an assistant’s salary of EUR 4 240 per month between July 2014 and end of 2016. The actions the MEP is accused of in this instance are not related to nor were they effectuated in the normal course of his activities as an MEP. Therefore, the privileges surrounding immunity should not apply. It is for the national courts in the Member State of the MEP’s residence to decide upon his guilt or innocence according to principles of the rule of law and the right to a fair procedure. These allegations into the misappropriation of taxpayers’ money must be investigated and parliamentary immunity should not prevent such an inquest. For these reasons I voted against the report, to waive immunity.

2016/11/22

. – Up until 2014, the printed edition of the OJ was considered the only valid and legally binding publication. Since the ECJʼs Skoma-Lux decision in 2007, and the subsequent Regulation (EU) No 216/2013, the electronic version is now considered an authentic text which can produce legal effects independently.This vote came about, since the 2013 regulation is now being amended to take into consideration new rules concerning electronic signatures. The amending report therefore makes one change to the 2013 text, to enable authenticating of advanced electronic seals with trust services likewise to be allowed.The legal basis for this report is Articles 114 and 352 (the flexibility clause), and all that is required, therefore, is parliamentary consent. Since electronic publication ensures that a wider group of citizens have access to rules made to govern their everyday lives, we voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – This matter relates to the short-stay visa waiver agreement for visa-free travel, for citizens of the Bahamas.The agreement provides for visa-free travel/exemption from a short-stay visa obligation – for citizens of the EU and citizens of the Bahamas – for a maximum period of 90 days in any 180-day period when travelling to the EU.The visa waiver covers all categories of persons (ordinary, diplomatic, service/official and special passport holders) travelling for all kinds of purposes, except for the purpose of carrying out a paid activity.Therefore, we voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – This matter relates to the short-stay visa waiver agreements for visa-free travel, for citizens of Mauritius.This agreement provides for visa-free travel/exemption from a short-stay visa obligation – for citizens of the EU and citizens of Mauritius – for a maximum period of 90 days in any 180-day period when travelling to the EU.The visa waiver covers all categories of persons (ordinary, diplomatic, service/official and special passport holders) travelling for all kinds of purposes, except for the purpose of carrying out a paid activity.Therefore, we voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – This matter relates to the short-stay visa waiver agreements for visa-free travel, for citizens of Antigua and Barbuda.This agreement provides for visa-free travel/exemption from a short-stay visa obligation – for citizens of the EU and citizens of Antigua and Barbuda – for a maximum period of 90 days in any 180-day period when travelling to the EU.The visa waiver covers all categories of persons (ordinary, diplomatic, service/official and special passport holders) travelling for all kinds of purposes, except for the purpose of carrying out a paid activity.Therefore, we voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – This file is in relation to the short-stay visa waiver agreements for visa-free travel for the citizens of the Federation of Saint Kitt’s and Nevis.This agreement provides for visa-free travel/exemptions from a short-stay visa obligation for the citizens of the EU and the citizens of the Bahamas, for a maximum period of 90 days in any 180-day period when travelling to the EU.The visa waiver covers all categories of persons (ordinary, diplomatic, service/official and special passport holders) travelling for all kinds of purposes, except for the purpose of carrying out a paid activity.Therefore, I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – This file is in relation to the short-stay visa waiver agreements for visa-free travel for citizens of Barbados.This agreement provides for visa-free travel/exemption from a short-stay visa obligation for citizens of the EU and citizens of the Bahamas for a maximum period of 90 days in any 180-day period when travelling to the EU.The visa waiver covers all categories of persons (ordinary, diplomatic, service/official and special passport holders) travelling for all kinds of purposes, except for the purpose of carrying out a paid activity.Therefore, I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – This file is in relation to the short-stay visa waiver agreements for visa-free travel for the citizens of the Seychelles.This agreement provides for visa-free travel/exemptions from a short-stay visa obligation for citizens of the EU and citizens of the Seychelles for a maximum period of 90 days in any 180-day period when travelling to the EU.The visa waiver covers all categories of persons (ordinary, diplomatic, service/official and special passport holders) travelling for all kinds of purposes, except for the purpose of carrying out a paid activity.Therefore, I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this resolution because this application meets the conditions of the EGF Regulation. Portugal is entitled to a financial contribution of EUR 4 655 883 under that Regulation, which represents 60% of the total cost of EUR 7 759 806.I have noted the argument made by Portugal that the redundancies are linked to major structural changes in world trade patterns due to globalisation, more particularly to the liberalisation of trade in textiles and clothing following the expiry of the World Trade Organisation Multifibre Agreement at the end of 2004 which has led to radical changes in the structure of world trade in textiles and clothing.I see it as vitally important that we protect the workers negatively impacted by global trade patterns. The majority of the redundant workers are women (88.63%). Furthermore, 20.55% of the redundant workers are over 55 years of age. More proactive measures are needed to avoid such situations in the future.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on this report. This Directive originally dealt solely with the quality of drinking water, listing out parameters for microbiological and chemical indicators and other technicalities to guarantee safe drinking water. However, the Commission decided to respond to the ECI Right2Water through the recast of this Directive, partially responding to the ECI demands with the inclusion of Article 13 containing obligations on Member States related to access to water. Sinn Fein introduced alternative compromise amendments to strengthen the obligations on access to water. However, although in the outcome the objective was improved to include access to water, the measures to effect this were reduced to a list of options for Member States to decide whether to take or not. This does not even partially meet the demands of the ECI Right2Water. Moreover, in relation to the PFAS parameter, a pollutant that is dangerous to human health, the parameter adopted is still too high to guarantee safe drinking water. While improvements were made in other regards, especially in updating other parameters and testing methods, the insufficient measures adopted on access to water and the PFAS parameter led me to abstain on this report.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this technical report on Resources for economic, social and territorial cohesion and resources for the investment for growth and jobs goal. The general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2018 amended the financial programming for the Youth Employment Initiative (YEI) by increasing commitment appropriations for the specific allocations for the YEI by an amount of EUR 116.7 million in current prices and bringing the overall amount of commitment appropriations for the YEI for 2018 up to EUR 350 million in current prices.The amount of commitment appropriations for 2020 needs to be adjusted downwards accordingly to reflect the frontloading to 2018. But it is now envisaged by BUDG that the issue of different interpretation of the budget 2018 deal will be taken up later, so that the decreases for 2020 shall be compensated somehow.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report. It comes as a result of a Commission ‘fitness check’ aimed at evaluating whether monitoring and reporting obligations in the environmental field are fit for purpose. The fitness check highlighted that most reporting obligations are relevant, although there is scope for improvement. In this line, the report tackles these shortcomings and focuses on getting the right information in the right form at the right time, with the least social/environmental and economic costs possible. It also aims to create better methodological and technical conditions to limit the causes and the extent of environmental problems, and to help define public response. On this basis, I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – This report encourages EU Member States to promote Employee Financial Participation (EFP) schemes as an instrument for sustainable and inclusive growth, to boost employment, skills, fight poverty, and to ‘modernise’ labour markets and social protection. If properly carried out, EFP can help involve workers more in the decision—making process, develop skills, ensure greater financial benefits, and create jobs. This might not be full ‘workers’ control’, but it can include the likes of cooperatives and other profit—sharing models. In the public sector, EFP is frequently used as a key tool to ‘kick-start’ privatisation – buying-off workers and creating a shareholder group that has a vested interest in working for full privatisation. Fortunately, this report does not advocate for EFP in the public sector.A number of important amendments proposed by my group, GUE/NGL were adopted in the Committee phase. These included: preventing the transfer of risks onto workers; EFP schemes not be used to replace normal salary or other remuneration, or social and employment entitlements; and that in EFP schemes using trusts to manage funds like the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), measures should ensure collective employee representation. I therefore voted in favour of this report.

2016/11/22

. – The report is an evaluation of the public procurement package adopted at EU level in 2014. The report welcomes the improvements brought by the 2014 reforms, but criticises the slow pace of implementation in some Member States, as well as the lack of transparency, bureaucracy, inefficiency and arbitrariness that still exist.It also criticises the excessive practice of using the lowest priced bid as a criterion for awarding invoices. This cost-saving practice often has a negative impact on the potential social and environmental benefits that could be achieved. The report therefore calls for more qualitative criteria to be used, and repeatedly notes the importance of compliance with environmental, social and labour law provisions, collective agreements and best practice. The report also proposes several mechanisms to improve public procurement in Member States.Most of the suggested improvements to the text from my political group were adopted, including emphasising the importance of SMEs, workers’ rights and the environment, and overall the report is positive and constructive. I therefore voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – This vote concerned an objective to bring the Eurojust legal framework up to date with Lisbon criteria pursuant to Article 85 TFEU. The proposal implements a new governance structure, clarifying the rules on operational matters and provides a role for this Parliament and national parliaments in the evaluation of Eurojust’s activities, thus adding an element of accountability.The report reinforces the role of national parliaments in the evaluation of Eurojust activities and strengthens data protection rules. It also deals with technical aspects of Eurojust governance, aimed at improving the current situation, particularly with regard to the EPPO, Europol and OLAF; to ensure better governance of the existing body and a higher level of data protection.That said, Sinn Féin remains critical of EU efforts to harmonise the area of freedom, security and justice, and opposes the EU’s encroachment into border control activities, particularly where this has a negative impact on the fundamental rights of refugees, migrants and asylum seekers. Since this vote was simply updating the existing legal framework, rather than reforming Eurojust’s role and powers, and did not include provisions aimed at transferring the exercise of power to the EU, I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – This vote concerned a proposed Regulation, to replace a 2003 Council Framework Decision on the execution in the European Union of orders freezing property or evidence, and a 2006 Decision on the mutual recognition of confiscation orders.Sinn Féin is critical of greater harmonisation in this policy area, where continuous incremental enhancement of the EUs independent enforcement, investigation and prosecution architecture such as Eurojust and Europol, means an erosion of the authority of Member States. This report however, ensured the inclusion of robust safeguards and provisions that should ensure an adequate level of fundamental rights protections in the fight against white-collar crime. The report achieved a strengthening of procedural safeguards to better ensure the possibility for bona fide owners to be heard by judicial authorities, as well as the respect of the necessity and proportionality principles before issuing a request. The report also saw the potential for the executing authority to refuse to execute a confiscation order if incompatible with the obligations of the executing State, in accordance with the Charter for Fundamental Rights, in particular the right to an effective remedy, the right to a fair trial and the right of defence. Therefore, we voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this report, which would introduce a prohibition on data localisation requirements. These are rules that require data to be processed and stored on the territory of a specific Member State, thus protecting that data. My main issues were to do with the overly wide scope. While the Regulation is supposed to exclude personal data covered by the more restrictive GDPR, data sets where personal and non-personal data are inextricably linked, will fall under the scope of this Regulation. The Regulation will also prevent public administrations from adopting practices which incorporate data localisation, and encourages public administrations to consider outsourcing such activities. Finally, I took issue with the fact that even on grounds of public security, Member States would be prohibited from localising data unless they met a disproportionately high threshold. In such instances, the Commission reserved the right to invalidate a national law, circumventing the jurisdiction of the Court of Justice. For these reasons, we voted against.

2016/11/22

. – This resolution calls on the EU and its Member States to work proactively to help create a binding United Nations treaty on businesses and human rights.In June 2014, the UN Human Rights Council established an Open Ended Inter-governmental Working Group to develop a legally binding treaty to hold Transnational Corporations (TNCs) and other businesses accountable for human rights and environmental violations in their global supply chains. Since then, this UN Working Group has met annually. Unfortunately, the EU and the Member States have continued to actively obstruct this important UN process.In particular, this resolution reflects on the need for a binding international instrument to overcome the weaknesses of the current voluntary frameworks (such as ‘corporate social responsibility’).Despite the vital importance of this issue, the EPP (Fine Gael’s Group) and the ECR (the Tories’ Group) have opposed this resolution at every step of the way.Nonetheless, the vote on this resolution was successful, and it presents the next step in the important process of defending human rights and the environment from corporate impunity.I am proud to say that I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this motion for a resolution on fighting customs fraud and protecting EU own resources due to the fact the resolution went far beyond supporting the initiation of infringement proceedings against Britain.The Commission is right to take action against Britain on this matter. Britain has failed to collect customs duties on textile imports from China despite first being warned in 2007. Britain has repeatedly failed to take action to prevent the fraud. Losses to the EU budget are still ongoing.However, this resolution represents an attempt to use the situation to further empower the Commission and increase harmonisation, even going as far as calling for the Commission to consider shifting responsibilities of customs authorities from national to EU level.For this reason we voted against the resolution

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report, which is a proposal by the Commission to harmonise VAT rules for cross-border transactions, regarding four areas: the role of the VAT identification number in the context of the exemption for intra-Community supplies, call-off stock arrangements, chain transactions and the proof of transport for the purposes of the exemption for intra-Community transactions.I support proposals to combat cross-border tax fraud and extend administrative cooperation to do so, but I am opposed to the harmonisation of the tax system including VAT across the EU, as I believe Member States must have the maximum powers to control their own tax systems.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report, which aims to tackle cross-border VAT fraud. It proposes to extend the use of existing tools used by the Commission and Member States to combat VAT fraud and evasion in cross-border trade. The two existing tools used to do this are the reverse charge mechanism and the Quick Reaction Mechanism. The reverse charge mechanism is applicable to certain goods (that are susceptible to fraud) and transfers the tax obligation from the seller/importer to the buyer, removing the possibility for fraud. The Quick Reaction Mechanism allows Member States to apply the reverse charge mechanism under certain circumstances to goods on that are not listed on the reverse charge mechanism list. The Commission proposes to extend the use of these measures from the current expiry date of the end of this year until June 2022.While I oppose the general harmonisation of the VAT system, as I believe Member States must have the maximum powers to control their own tax systems and rates, I support proposals to combat cross-border tax fraud and extend administrative cooperation to do so.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this proposal to make some technical changes to the existing Regulation on administrative cooperation in the field of excise duties. It extends the electronic register to include new categories of economic operators moving excise goods released for consumption. The proposal amends the scope of the regulation to include two new categories of economic operators: certified consignors, who are registered as consignors for excise goods that have already been released for consumption, and certified consignees, who are registered as consignees for excise goods that have already been released for consumption. The report endorses the Commission proposal.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of the health technology assessment report. The proposed regulation covers new medicines and certain new medical devices, providing the basis for permanent and sustainable cooperation at EU level for joint clinical assessments in these areas, while Member States would still be responsible for assessing the non-clinical (e.g., economic, ethical and social) aspects of health technology. The report is important as it addresses the serious concerns about the growing difficulties that European citizens face in accessing suitable treatment in the EU, whether because of price, non-availability of a treatment or the quality of new products.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this ambitious report. This legislation concerns binding CO2 emissions reduction targets for car and vans for 2030, following on from the 2020 targets that are nearing their end. The report substantially improves on the Commission’s proposal for new targets, which were at a moderate 30% reduction by 2030. The level of ambition has now been boosted to 40%.The report also advocates closing loopholes in emissions testing to avoid another ‘Dieselgate’, and it endorses real-world emissions testing rather than a system of declared values, which is what previously led to scandals. It calls, too, for the promotion of investment in recharging infrastructure. More ambition is needed in the transport sector in order to reach the Paris Agreement targets, given that emissions in the sector are growing across Europe, averaging around 20%.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report, which is a proposal to provide more flexibility to Member States on setting their own rates on VAT. Instead of the current positive list of goods and services to which reduced rates may be applied, this proposal moves to a negative list of certain (mainly luxury or harmful) goods and services to which the reduced rate cannot be applied. This empowers EU Member States to make their own decisions on what goods and services reduced rates can apply to and introduces the possibility to apply a new zero rate.If a reduced or zero rate was not already applied to a product prior to the current directive coming into force, governments have been prevented from introducing one. This will change from 2022.This will be particularly important in the Irish state for areas such as life-saving equipment and some health products which currently have high rates of VAT applied. VAT is a regressive tax that disproportionately affects women and lower-income groups. The ability of governments to apply reduced or zero VAT rates to essential goods and services is crucial.

2016/11/22

. – In May the International Accounting Standards Board issued a new financial reporting standard for insurance companies, IFRS 17. The new standard aims to harmonise the accounting rules for insurance contracts across the globe. Any new standard needs to be endorsed by the EU. One step in this process is the endorsement advice by the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group which is expected for December 2018. This resolution aims to contribute to this discussion.The resolution stresses the complexity of the new standards and especially problems in implementation for smaller insurers. Amendments from my group, GUE/NGL, which stated that the purpose of such standards should be to increase transparency to the benefit of financial stability, and not to generate shareholder value, were not adopted. While the resolution included several points that I support, I have concerns over the underlying objective of harmonised financial reporting rules, which will mainly be beneficial for capital owners and shareholders and which seek to foster globalisation of the financial industry. This may lead to concentration of the sector, especially by crowding out smaller insurance firms. As a result of these concerns, I abstained.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this motion for a resolution which calls for continued funding and support for remote, rural and mountainous regions.Unemployment in non-urbanised areas has increased from 7% to 10.4% between 2008 and 2012. Rural depopulation is also on the increase, causing the demographic dynamic to change, and a quarter of the population have no access to the internet. This motion for a resolution encourages rural, remote and mountainous regions to develop projects to further socio-economic development and economic growth and will help build on their existing strengths whilst maintaining their specificities of non-urban areas.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this request to waive the immunity of Greek MEP Georgios Kyrtsos. Mr Kyrtsos owes EUR 200 000 to the Greek State following non-payment of amounts owed and the subsequent bankruptcy of his newspaper ʻFree Sundayʼ. In the first hearing of this case he admitted that he has the duty of paying the sum as the legal representative of the newspaper and said he has been paying monthly sums from his MEP allowance. He has requested the waiver of his immunity in order to deal with the situation.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this technical codification of Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 and the formal amendments to the annex which lists all the countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when crossing external borders of Schengen members. This vote did not make any changes to the substance of the regulatory text and fully preserved the content of the acts being codified.It should be noted that Ireland does not participate in this regulation, since it is not a member of Schengen.

2016/11/22

. – The Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) is a project falling under the implementation of Horizon 2020, aimed at tackling issues of water management and food production in the Mediterranean area. The members of PRIMA are EU Member States, mostly from the Mediterranean area, in addition to non-EU Mediterranean countries. Project funding includes contributions from member countries of PRIMA, along with the EU contribution under Horizon 2020. This report affirms the region’s right to safe and clean drinking water. The initiative hopes to bring new ideas to and create sustainable agricultural production, with a commitment to social and environment-friendly implementation.However, the report does not address Morocco’s occupation of Western Sahara, despite the European Court of Justice decision that association and liberalisation agreements concluded between the EU and Morocco are not applicable to Western Sahara. Moroccan settlements in Western Sahara include farms and the labelling of goods and fisheries from Western Sahara as Moroccan. Morocco also refused to allow our colleagues in the GUE/NGL Group to travel to Western Sahara to see the human rights abuses occurring there. Due to our belief that Western Sahara should be allowed self-determination, we voted against the report.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this agreement as it will further create a single liberalised aviation market in the EU. The agreement allows the right to fly for EU and Canadian airlines to each other’s territories without restrictions on routes, prices or frequency of flights, including the domestic markets of each, and establishing an open aviation area.Sinn Féin believes allowing third-party companies in the domestic market should be the decision for each individual Member State. The agreement will open the sky to growing third-party companies at the expense of European companies and their social conditions. The agreement stresses the need to open availability at airports to foreign airlines on a non-discriminatory basis, and Member States can be perceived to be in violation of gaining access.The agreement overall supports a more competitive environment, and says this occurs where airlines operate on a fully commercial basis and are not state subsidised. The agreement wants the removal of ‘competition-distorting subsidies’ by governments of Member States. For this approach of liberalisation to the aviation market and the restriction on state subsidies, I voted against.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report, which was a proposal to support the Commission’s plan for the inclusion of the Italian municipality of Campione d’Italia and the Italian waters of Lake Lugano in the customs territory of the EU and in the territorial application of Directive 2008/118/EC.Italy has requested that two of its territories – Campione d’Italia and the Italian waters of Lake Lugano – which are Italian enclaves in Switzerland, should be considered to the part of the EU customs area and subject to the excise directive. We have no reason to oppose the Italian request, so we voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this file as the application meets the conditions set out in Article 4(1) of the EGF Regulation, meaning the Netherlands are entitled to a financial contribution of EUR 1 192 500, which represents 60 % of the total cost of EUR 1 987 500.1 324 workers were working in 20 different enterprises, most of them in Rabobank and ING bank. The rest are scattered among different national banks or BNP and Santander. Most of the dismissed persons are those who dealt directly with the clients and who were engaged in related administration (those with low or average education levels and mostly women (59 %)).While the Netherlands argue that ‘stricter regulatory conditions, the substantial decline of the mortgage market and in the credit provision for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) caused falling profitability and created an urgent need for reduction of costs’, I believe that in practice, the banks closed some of their regional branch offices and transforming towards lower-cost, online banking.Despite this mischaracterisation, the workers are still entitled to the available support.

2016/11/22

. – As part of its Digital Single Market strategy – and in light of rapid technological change, the emergence of new business models and changing viewing behaviour – the Commission decided to modernise the Audio-visual Media Services Directive and, to this end, adopted an amending proposal in May 2016. The proposal also reflects a new approach to Video Sharing Platforms (VSP).I voted against the Directive, as it will lead to the liberalisation of product placement, which is a key area of concern for us. The directive does not go far enough to protect minors from targeted advertising from companies selling unhealthy products, particularly those high in sugar or salt. The revised rules in the final agreement would effectively lower standards in terms of consumer protection and the programme quality and might consequently result in an overall increase in the exposure of consumers and vulnerable users to undesirable advertising or dangerous content.We also regretted that the agreement reached on accessibility, in Article 7, does not include any specific measures for Member States to enhance the accessibility of programmes for persons with disabilities, notably on: subtitles for the deaf, audio description, spoken subtitles and sign language interpretation.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained on the vote to cancel the reserve related to the support to Turkey from the Instrument for Pre-Accession and reinforcement of the European Neighbourhood Instrument and of the Humanitarian Aid for other urgent actions.It is our opinion that due to Turkey’s backsliding, the change in the budgetary line is justified. However, the issue with this file relates to how the funds should be reallocated. The main issue is with the EU Trust Fund for Africa. The European migration agenda is prevalent throughout the EUTF for Africa, and a considerable portion of its funding is invested in security measures and border management. Further details are hard to come by, as there is a lack of transparency and accountability.Due to these factors, we do not support this reallocation. While we view the cancelation of the reserve as a proportional response, we could not vote in favour due to the concerns we have regarding the EU Trust for Africa.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against a mandate for trilogue for the Copyright Directive in its current form.The Directive is a step in the right direction in terms of enunciating the problems faced by our creative sector with the increased digitisation of content. However, there are issues related to privacy and human rights which cannot be overlooked. The Directive fails to deal with jurisprudence from the European Court of Justice, rights contained in the Charter of Fundamental Rights, and rules contained in the E-Commerce Directive which all warn against the creation a general monitoring obligation. An Article which creates a possibility for active monitoring of all users is potentially dangerous to both the right to privacy and the freedom of information. Sinn Féin believes that in order to protect creators, wording must be found that accommodates both concerns. We will therefore play an active role in amending this text when it goes back to Committee.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this decision to enter into inter-institutional negotiations on a proposal for the regulation of European Parliament and of the Council on the European Citizen’s initiative.This was a single vote, and it clearly fails to comply with the principle of good and sincere co-operation throughout all phases of the legislative report.The PETI Committee was unable to table amendments in plenary, and thus many of the weak legal provisions in the text could not be strengthened. Furthermore, the proposed amendments to this legislative instrument would stretch the principle of subsidiarity, as it is a clear indication of an intention to ensure that European issues and competencies replace national issues and competencies.I therefore voted against this decision.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report, which aims to give consent to the automated exchange of DNA data in Croatia. It is a continuation of the so-called Prüm decision of 2008, and its implementing decision; born from a unilateral ‘enforcement’ narrative of collecting and exchanging a larger quantity personal data, including automated access to DNA profiles, dactyloscopic data and certain national vehicle registration data. An in-depth analysis and evaluations of the current counter-terrorism instruments need provided, demonstrating their necessity and proportionality. In addition, these cases specifically deal with automated data exchange, which means bulk data transmission, in contrast to targeted, suspicion-based exchange of personal data – thus, further encroachment on the rights and freedoms of ordinary citizens.

2016/11/22

. – I voted to abstain because this file makes it possible for funding to be redirected from structural funds into instruments that deploy financial instruments, such as EFSI. At the same time, the file also progresses the financial rules applicable to the general budget in a number of areas. The financial rules have proven an undue burden on many who sought to apply for EU funding and need to be addressed.I recognise that this version addresses many of the Parliaments initial concerns regarding accountability and transparency. Furthermore, the report does not attempt to end the non-profit principle that is so important to ESI Funds.However, allowing for Member States under these new rules to shift funds from structural funds to instruments for financial instruments such as the EFSI, and the proposed successor InvestEU, mean that I cannot support the file in its entirety. On the balance between recognizing the need for simplification of the rules and our opposition to shifting funds from structural funds to EFSI I decided to abstain.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report on the basis that the ETIAS is going to be a new entry condition in the Schengen area for all 3rd country nationals, including refugees and asylum seekers to enter and/or stay in the Schengen area, but not enough in itself to guarantee entrance and/or stay. It works as a complementary part to Entry Exit system, and to creating the ‘Smart Borders’ package - which ended up being a tool to fight irregular migration. It is effectively a ‘low-cost visa’; whereby the information gathered on the individual will put in place a profiling instrument to establish standard profiles in order to verify if they represent a so-called ‘migration risk’. Part of the ETIAS is a concrete watch-list and further to this, the type of data collected includes the Member State of first intended stay and, optionally the exact address; type of occupation, level of education and epidemic risk.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this file, which would allocate new tasks to Europol including the management of the ETIAS watch-list, and once again encroaching on personal data and fundamental rights of individuals. Voting against this amendment was a further effort to demonstrate my opposition to the establishment and implementation of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report, which deals with the agency responsible for the operation management of large-scale IT systems, and the ongoing expansion of these IT systems. EU-Lisa will be the Agency to develop and implement the interoperability of those Systems and Databases. The systems contain the systems and databases of SIS II, VIS, Eurodac, ETIAS and ECRIS-TCN. It includes the Entry Exit System which has departed away from its initial purpose of facilitating border crossing of external Schengen borders for third country nationals, but which fulfils multiple additional tasks relating to ‘migration management and law enforcement’. The report also adds the possibility to exchange sensitive information with third countries, despite providing no justification as to why this would be necessary. The Commission would have oversight in the event of a MS having an administrative agreement with a third country, which I oppose.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against the 2019 budget trilogue mandate as the report states that a renewed defence agenda will allow the EU to become a genuine world player. I oppose all attempts by the European Parliament to endorse the militarisation of the EU.Furthermore, the report welcomes the allocation of EUR 500 million to the EDIDP for 2019 and 2020 and considers that defence is a clear example of where greater effectiveness could be achieved by transferring certain competences and actions currently performed by the Member States to the EU.For these reasons, I voted against the report.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this file as it calls for the EU to have a position on the UN Security Council, and for the EU as an institution to supersede Member States at the UN.The EU was not intended to speak over Member States at the international level. By calling for the EU to have a seat on the UN Security Council this report undermines the voices of EU states as sovereign nations, while calls for Member States to speak with one voice at the UN would mean that larger Member States would effectively overrule other Member States.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this resolution on the situation regarding migration from Venezuela into Colombia, Brazil and other neighbouring countries. There has recently been a marked increase in migration from Venezuela because of the worsening socio-economic conditions, violence and political unrest that has beset the country in recent years. Regrettably, this resolution represents an attempt to hijack the situation for political point-scoring against the Venezuelan Government.The resolution refuses to recognise the results of the recent Presidential election, demands a new vote and supports further EU sanctions against Venezuelan authorities, including the democratically elected president of the country. Sinn Féin representatives were present amongst the international observers who found those elections to be free and fair, and therefore we reject the sanctioning of individuals linked to their involvement in this process. This resolution was voted on Venezuelan Independence Day, underscoring the political rather than humanitarian nature of the exercise.Sinn Féin remains deeply concerned about the socio-economic situation in Venezuela, and the question of human rights violations. We support the work of UN agencies in providing humanitarian support for people in the region. However, we cannot support a biased and factually inaccurate resolution, which may escalate tensions.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report, which is inextricably linked to the recent actions of the Italian and Maltese Governments in their attempts to criminalise humanitarian assistance being provided to refugees, asylum seekers and migrants. It is also in reference to unacceptable efforts which have been made to criminalise citizens and actors providing support to undocumented migrants who have also been criminalised in various countries. This report calls for the Commission to clarify that humanitarian assistance should never be criminalised.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this motion for a resolution which deals with addressing the gaps in the EU-US Privacy Shield that presides over the transatlantic exchange of personal data. The motion for a resolution coincides with the first annual review of the Privacy Shield. Sinn Féin believes the Facebook scandal indicates the failures of the EU-US Privacy Shield. The report calls for evidence and binding commitments against US surveillance. We do not agree with suspending the shield, and instead want improvements on protections and safeguards for US compliance on data protection.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this resolution, which calls for the protection of the rights of EU citizens who are affected by the US Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). The resolution arose from the Petitions committee in the Parliament, initiated by EU citizens known as ‘accidental Americans’ – people who have US citizenship but who have never been economically active in the US. This group of people have been affected by the operation of FATCA, including being told they must pay US tax; having their savings accounts frozen; and being denied access to all banking services due to the reluctance of financial service providers to follow the FATCA reporting requirements.The resolution also raises the fact that the US operates FATCA on a unilateral basis, and refuses to sign up to the Common Reporting Standard on tax matters.It calls for the EU to step up its protection of these EU citizens including their right to privacy and data protection. It urges the EU to negotiate an agreement with the US that guarantees rights are protected, that ‘accidental Americans’ can relinquish their US citizenship more easily and ensures reciprocity in information sharing.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this own-initiative resolution on the legal form of social and solidarity enterprises. The resolution notes that SSEs can take a variety of forms (associations, foundations, cooperatives, mutual, share companies), however believes that there will be great benefit if SSEs move towards a specific legal form. Throughout the text there are references to increasing visibility, making it easier for SSEs to access funding, and take advantage of the Single Market, but the causational links between this and a common legal form are not clear. There is also frighteningly little mention of the valid reasons enterprises pursue different legal forms.My main issue with the report is that though the suggestion is for a ‘European Social Label’, the words ‘legal label’ are also used, indicating the will for harmonisation of this area of law. There are serious subsidiarity issues pertaining to playing around with the legal criteria for the establishment of an enterprise. Finally, the annex to the report includes legislative recommendations detailing how SSEs could apply for this label, criteria they should fulfil, a mechanism of supervision to ‘protect the legal label’, infringement penalties, reporting obligations, and benefits they may accrue. The burden of these measures on small enterprises could be quite onerous, therefore I could not support it.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report as the Commission is seeking to increase the financial envelope of the Structural Reform Support Programme (SRSP). The report argues that there should be an increased budget of over 56%, in addition to endorsing the creating of a mechanism that will ask Member States to transfer appropriations from the technical assistance budget.Critically, however, the report notes a slow integration and transition to the euro amongst Member States, and clearly envisages the entire European Union financially integrated under the single currency. For this reason, I voted against this report.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this proposal to support the Council decision to reform EU electoral law. This recommendation would create a single contact authority in the EU to ensure the increased cooperation and data exchange between electoral authorities in Member States.Clearly, this Council decision is the first amongst a series of reforms to EU electoral law that will further ensure the integration of electoral systems amongst Member States, and clearly offends the national competency of the nation state over its electoral affairs.It also recommends the creation of threshold conditions that are undemocratic and opaque, and will clearly benefit bigger parties at the expense of smaller parties.This proposal contravenes the principle of proportional representation in democracy, and for that reason I voted against.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of giving consent to conclude the partnership agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and Armenia. The Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement is a step to broaden the scope of bilateral relations between the EU and Armenia while allowing Armenia to maintain its important economic and political relations with Russia. The agreement refers to five main areas of cooperation, namely, political reform, rule of law, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, trade and economic cooperation, energy policy and other areas of cooperation and institutional provisions. The partnership agreement may be beneficial for Armenia, and this would only be a start of the process. I therefore voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this resolution. The resolution, among other aspects, encourages the independence of the judiciary, and transparency in the governance of state institutions. It also calls for further protection of vulnerable groups such as the LGBTQI+ community and condemns the recent unjustified arrests of peaceful demonstrators in Armenia. The resolution also emphasises the need to ensure a level playing field for the opposition and an environment in which civil society, including media representatives and human rights defenders, can operate free from fear of reprisals. For these reasons, I decided to vote in favour of this resolution.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report as it calls for the EU to have a military role in Iraq.This report also fails to condemn the illegal invasion of Iraq by the US-led coalition in 2003.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report as it calls for the EU to have a military role in Iraq.This report also fails to condemn the illegal invasion of Iraq by the US-led coalition in 2003.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this technical file, which was brought about by changes to trade patterns upon Croatia’s accession to the European Union. When a new Member State joins, the EU is required under WTO rules to negotiate rights related to the tariff schedule of that country with existing shared trading partners. Since the EU’s tariffs on certain goods were higher than those Croatia was offering to New Zealand, the EU had to negotiate compensation. A similar exercise will be taking place when the United Kingdom withdraws from the European Union, which will have to carefully balance EU interests.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report, which aims to amend the Statute of the ECB in order to give it supervisory powers over euro clearing houses outside of the EU.The proposal relates to the clearing of derivatives by central clearing counterparties (CCPs). Derivatives are complex financial products that were a major contributing factor to the global financial crisis, and mandatory clearing was introduced as a post-crisis regulatory measure to regulate trade in derivatives in order to reduce risk. The main clearing houses for the euro currency are based in London and post-Brexit this will obviously pose significant risks for finance.This report amends the ECB Statute to clarify that the ECB has supervisory powers over CCPs, including CCPs in third countries when the currency involved is the euro. I voted in favour as I believe EU supervision over this area of finance is required.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this file, which will give Member States the flexibility to reduce minimum rates for vehicle taxation from 2024 as they wish. This will reduced the bureaucracy and administrative burden required in order to reduce vehicle taxation on a gradual basis, as the Commission had originally proposed. Sinn Féin believes vehicle taxation is a Member State competency and should not be overseen in anyway by the European Commission.The report encourages the use of tolls as a means for taxing vehicles, stressing that it may be more environmentally conscious, and to explore tolls based on the polluting level of vehicles. As this file would give more flexibility to Member States, I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour in order to allow for the surplus of the 2017 financial year to be entered into the 2018 budget. Draft amending budget No 2/2018 aims to enter into the 2018 budget the surplus from the 2017 financial year, amounting to EUR 555.5 million. This is done in accordance with Article 18 of the Financial Regulation.While I voted in favour of the file in order to facilitate the amendment of the budget I do not support the rapporteur’s view that revenue resulting from fines or linked to late payments should be reused in the Union budget without a corresponding decrease in GNI contributions.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this file as it seeks to add EUR 500 million in commitment appropriations to the 2018 Union budget, as a contribution to the second tranche of the Facility for Refugees in Turkey, in addition to the EUR 50 million financed from the existing Humanitarian Aid budgetary envelope in 2018.The purpose of Draft amending budget No 3/2018 is primarily to allow for the schooling of refugee children in Turkey to continue without disruption. This goes to paying the salaries for over 5 000 teachers who so far have provided education to over 300 000 refugee children in Turkey, transport to school, as well as a conditional cash for education programme.While I oppose the overarching idea of financing third countries to further externalise the EU border, without this funding education services to refugee children in Turkey will be severely disrupted or discontinued. For this reason I am voting in favour.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this motion on Commission Delegated Regulation to block the granting of an EU guarantee to the EIB against losses under financing operations supporting investment projects in Iran.The motion in no way represents a critique of the role of the EIB as an international lender. Instead, it functions as an attack on Iran and a de facto endorsement of the re-establishment of US sanctions.I support the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. The JCPOA has been a success and is ending Iran’s ambition to have nuclear weapons. However, his motion claims that Iran has consistently violated its international obligations under JCPOA. International Atomic Energy International, the body responsible for monitoring Iran, in their most recent report in May noted no failure to comply in any regard.The motion highlights Iran’s human rights violations, theocratic governance and accuses Iran of sponsoring terrorism. It is important that EU criteria are applied consistently. Other countries currently deemed eligible include Israel, Egypt, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and Honduras, and Myanmar.The motion failed to mention the fact that other authoritarian countries accused of human rights violations are categorised in the same manner by the EU for EIB lending. Therefore, I vote against.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report which recognises that child and forced marriages are a serious violation of human rights.The report calls for 18 to be minimum age of marriage, and the protection of women who want to separate from these marriages.The report notes the health risks of child marriage such as maternal and infant mortality.It asks for any EU development aid given to governments will require a commitment to fight child marriage. The report calls EU international assistance to provide access to family planning, contraception and safe abortion. It acknowledges that child marriages can form human trafficking of slavery and exploitation, and lead to women seeking asylum. The report calls on Member States to guarantee migrant women and girls residence permit that does not depend on their partner or spouse.The report calls for Ireland to ratify the Istanbul Convention to prevent and combat violence against women.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this motion for resolution, as it clearly bends the principle of subsidiary, and omits the primary role of the Member State in supporting SME business, and instead recommends that it should be the Commission that drives the growth of these businesses by reducing regulation.Whist it must be acknowledged that smaller businesses disproportionally bear the weight of regulatory standards, the proposal to weaken this regulation in this motion for resolution is clearly the wrong way to manage this.It marks part of a critical failure in the resolution, as it supports the ‘easing of data protection rules’, which is a blunt attempt to divorce the responsibility that SMEs have to data protection, data responsibility. For this reasons, I voted against.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report.While the human rights issues in Azerbaijan are mentioned in the report, there is no requirement for the Azerbaijani Government to improve human rights protections prior to the agreement entering into force.It is wholly unsuitable for European nations to be increasing links with countries which regularly violate human rights.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report regarding rules for the posting of drivers in the road transport sector.Given the highly mobile nature of drivers in the road transport sector, applying posting rules can impose a particular administrative burden and difficulties on Irish hauliers. A shorter posting period would disproportionately affect Irish hauliers, who need to travel through many countries in order to reach central Europe owing to Ireland’s peripheral location.I supported the report that would applying posting to international transport and transit operations after 10 days. The option of 10 days was a compromise from alternative options proposed such as applying posting after 5 days or 2 days.I believe that national legislation often deals best in preventing letterbox companies that operate to undermine social conditions in central Member States, as implemented in Germany and France.This file, as with all three of the Mobility Package files, was rejected and referred back to committee, where the inconsistencies can be assessed and re-negotiated.

2016/11/22

. – On the driving and rest times period file, amendments were included to acknowledge the length of time incurred by peripheral road hauliers who must take a ferry to reach Europe. This would be beneficial for Irish hauliers, who must take a ferry journey to carry out international transport.However, the file also forbade drivers from having flexibility about where they can sleep, and would ban parking areas which do have the required facilities for drivers from being used during rest periods. The file did not set out a legislative framework that would fit all Member States.This file, as with all three of the Mobility Package files, was rejected and referred back to committee, where the inconsistencies can be assessed and re-negotiated.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this file. This regulation aims to limit how long cabotage operations can take place in a host Member State and to establish a cooling off period until the next cabotage operation takes place in the same host Member State.Sinn Féin supported a cabotage period that would acknowledge the time required for peripheral Member States to carry out international transport and cabotage operations. A long cooling off period, such as a week, from carrying out the next cabotage operation would severely affect Irish hauliers, many of whom operate on a North-South basis.However, during the vote in the European Parliament, none of the proposed time periods for cabotage operations or for the cooling-off period received a majority.As the report did not achieve its aim to provide clear requirements regarding cabotage operations, I voted against it.This file, as with all three of the Mobility Package files, was rejected and referred back to committee, where the inconsistencies can be assessed and re-negotiated.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this recommendation, despite welcoming certain EDPS recommendations with regard to challenging data retention, restricting onward transfers and including the potential to suspend/terminate the agreements in cases of breaches of their provisions. We need impact assessments, before any negotiations even begin, to better assess the risks posed by transfers of data to these third countries for individuals’ rights to privacy and data protection, but also for other fundamental rights and freedoms protected by the Charter in order to define the precise safeguards necessary.The draft report was the same for each country without taking into consideration the specific contexts of each country. From a human rights perspective, exchanging personal data with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan raises several concerns, not only from the weak or absent data protection frameworks, but more so because of the use that can be made of such data and the consequent violations of fundamental rights and freedoms.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this recommendation, despite welcoming certain EDPS recommendations with regard to challenging data retention, restricting onward transfers and including the potential to suspend/terminate the agreements in cases of breaches of their provisions. We need impact assessments, before any negotiations even begin, to better assess the risks posed by transfers of data to these third countries for individuals’ rights to privacy and data protection, but also for other fundamental rights and freedoms protected by the Charter in order to define the precise safeguards necessary.The draft report was the same for each country without taking into consideration the specific contexts of each country. From a human rights perspective, exchanging personal data with the Republic of Turkey raises several concerns, not only from the weak or absent data protection frameworks, but more so because of the use that can be made of such data and the consequent violations of fundamental rights and freedoms.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this recommendation, despite welcoming certain EDPS recommendations with regard to challenging data retention, restricting onward transfers and including the potential to suspend/terminate the agreements in cases of breaches of their provisions. We need impact assessments, before any negotiations even begin, to better assess the risks posed by transfers of data to these third countries for individuals’ rights to privacy and data protection, but also for other fundamental rights and freedoms protected by the Charter in order to define the precise safeguards necessary.The draft report was the same for each country without taking into consideration the specific contexts of each country. From a human rights perspective, exchanging personal data with the ARAB REPUBLIC OF ISRAEL raises several concerns, not only from the weak or absent data protection frameworks, but more so because of the use that can be made of such data and the consequent violations of fundamental rights and freedoms.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this recommendation, despite welcoming certain EDPS recommendations with regard to challenging data retention, restricting onward transfers and including the potential to suspend/terminate the agreements in cases of breaches of their provisions. We need impact assessments, before any negotiations even begin, to better assess the risks posed by transfers of data to these third countries for individuals’ rights to privacy and data protection, but also for other fundamental rights and freedoms protected by the Charter in order to define the precise safeguards necessary.The draft report was the same for each country without taking into consideration the specific contexts of each country. From a human rights perspective, exchanging personal data with TUNISIA raises several concerns, not only from the weak or absent data protection frameworks, but more so because of the use that can be made of such data and the consequent violations of fundamental rights and freedoms.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this recommendation, despite welcoming certain EDPS recommendations with regard to challenging data retention, restricting onward transfers and including the potential to suspend/terminate the agreements in cases of breaches of their provisions. We need impact assessments, before any negotiations even begin, to better assess the risks posed by transfers of data to these third countries for individuals’ rights to privacy and data protection, but also for other fundamental rights and freedoms protected by the Charter in order to define the precise safeguards necessary.The draft report was the same for each country without taking into consideration the specific contexts of each country. From a human rights perspective, exchanging personal data with the KINGDOM OF MOROCCO raises several concerns, not only from the weak or absent data protection frameworks, but more so because of the use that can be made of such data and the consequent violations of fundamental rights and freedoms.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this recommendation, despite welcoming certain EDPS recommendations with regard to challenging data retention, restricting onward transfers and including the potential to suspend/terminate the agreements in cases of breaches of their provisions. We need impact assessments, before any negotiations even begin, to better assess the risks posed by transfers of data to these third countries for individuals’ rights to privacy and data protection, but also for other fundamental rights and freedoms protected by the Charter in order to define the precise safeguards necessary.The draft report was the same for each country without taking into consideration the specific contexts of each country. From a human rights perspective, exchanging personal data with the LEBANESE REPUBLIC raises several concerns, not only from the weak or absent data protection frameworks, but more so because of the use that can be made of such data and the consequent violations of fundamental rights and freedoms.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this recommendation, despite welcoming certain EDPS recommendations with regard to challenging data retention, restricting onward transfers and including the potential to suspend/terminate the agreements in cases of breaches of their provisions. We need impact assessments, before any negotiations even begin, to better assess the risks posed by transfers of data to these third countries for individuals’ rights to privacy and data protection, but also for other fundamental rights and freedoms protected by the Charter in order to define the precise safeguards necessary.The draft report was the same for each country without taking into consideration the specific contexts of each country. From a human rights perspective, exchanging personal data with the ARAB REPUBLIC OF EGYPT raises several concerns, not only from the weak or absent data protection frameworks, but more so because of the use that can be made of such data and the consequent violations of fundamental rights and freedoms.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this recommendation, despite welcoming certain EDPS recommendations with regard to challenging data retention, restricting onward transfers and including the potential to suspend/terminate the agreements in cases of breaches of their provisions. We need impact assessments, before any negotiations even begin, to better assess the risks posed by transfers of data to these third countries for individuals’ rights to privacy and data protection, but also for other fundamental rights and freedoms protected by the Charter in order to define the precise safeguards necessary.The draft report was the same for each country without taking into consideration the specific contexts of each country. From a human rights perspective, exchanging personal data with the ARAB REPUBLIC OF ISRAEL raises several concerns, not only from the weak or absent data protection frameworks, but more so because of the use that can be made of such data and the consequent violations of fundamental rights and freedoms.

2016/11/22

. – The ASECNA is the agency for Safety of Air Navigation in Africa and Madagascar, and is an air traffic control agency. It is a public institution with a focus on regional cooperation and based in Senegal.The ASECNA provides air navigation services in 17 African member states. This report will allow the ASECNA to make use of European satellite navigation programmes such as EGNOS and Galileo for satellite navigation in Africa and Madagascar.The cost of setting up and operating the infrastructure will be provided for by the Agreement. The infrastructure belongs to the ASECNA and will be financed by the ASECNAʼs budget, by its member states or by contributions, in the form of loans or donations, from countries in the European Union and international financial institutions. It will not use any new EU budget.As the agreement will not extend the development of Galileo or give any greater funding, I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained in this vote. High-performance computers (HPCs) are powerful supercomputers that perform fast computations that are so data intensive that they cannot be performed using normal computers. This can address major scientific and societal challenges, and there are not enough HPCs in the EU to satisfy demand. To fill the gap, European scientists and industry are seeking access to top machines located outside the EU to process their data. This is problematic because of the protection of personal and sensitive data, commercial data, and ownership of data. To address this issue, several Member States have signed the EuroHPC declaration, in which they agreed to work together and with the Commission to acquire and deploy by 2022 a pan-European integrated supercomputing infrastructure. After making an impact assessment, the Commission proposed a joint undertaking.I abstained on Parliamentʼs report because, while acknowledging the need to increase this technology, I am not in favour of a joint undertaking model. Moreover, I have concerns that the use of HPCs will not be exclusively for civilian purposes. Instead, the result is to promote the access primarily for civilian purposes, which I find insufficient.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of mobilising the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund due to the fact that the criteria had been met and the former employees are entitled to the support that funding can provide.France submitted application EGF/2017/009 FR/Air France for a financial contribution from the EGF, following 1 858 redundancies in the aviation sector. This is the second application to the EGF relating to redundancies at Air France and the third concerning air transport.The conditions set out in Article 4(1) of the EGF Regulation are met, meaning that France is entitled to a financial contribution of EUR 9 894 483 under that regulation, which represents 60% of the total cost of EUR 16 490 805.I do not agree with the statement ‘Deplores the level of subsidies and State aid’. The rapporteur believes that the State aid granted by Gulf countries to their aviation sectors is to blame for Europe’s falling market share in aviation. However, not all forms of State aid should be deplored, and many forms should be commended.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this own-initiative report, as it encroaches on the competency of Member States, particularly the authority and role of local municipalities within the governing structure of their own Member States, as most of what is suggested in the text could actually be accomplished at Member State level.The report calls for the creation of a new cities commissioner, which it says will increase the coordination and integration of the EU policy instruments and programmes dedicated to cities, but this contradicts other commitments in the report in the matter of not de-prioritising the rural agenda.The report is supposed to detail a bottom-up approach as well advocating an increase in democratic accountability – not by appointing another commissioner. I therefore voted against this report.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report, which highlights the need for a legal framework to be put in place pending an expectant expansion of the 3D printing sector. The report does not go into great depths on the issues, but draws attention to concerns around copyright and Intellectual Property rights, the need for a civil liability regime, traceability and control measures over downloadable designs. In general, there is a lack of regulation or clear direction of how 3D printing can be best utilised. It is important that if the Commission acts upon the proposals in this own-initiative, non-legislative report, an impact assessment be carried out on how the expansion of the 3D printing sector will affect manufacturing jobs.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report, which sets up a EUR 500 million fund for the EU arms industry. This fund gives private arms companies public money with EUR 300 million cut from EU cohesion funds in order pay arms companies to develop weapons, which will be used in conflicts around the world.The EDIDP will fund up to 100% of the costs of development of weapons including drones, cluster munitions, and autonomous weapons systems.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this regulation, which will increase comparability and coherence of statistics of EU farms, and speed up data transmission. Sinn Fein believes the way in which the EU has gathered farm data has been incoherent and hard to compare. We believe a benefit can be gained from establishing a comprehensive EU framework, without placing an excessive burden on the respondents.Sinn Fein MEP Matt Carthy has worked extensively on this regulation to ensure that farm surveys will contain a number of specific questions relating to land mobility and generational renewal. The new survey will ask questions on young farmers and farm ownership models, specifically related to farm transfers. There will also be questions to ascertain information on the age profile of our farming community engaged in transfers. This should give us a broader understanding of where generational renewal is failing. I am very pleased these necessary editions were included in the final text.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour to repeal this Regulation, which deals with Member States communicating data on investment projects in energy infrastructure to the Commission. As a part of the Better Law-Making process, the Commission concluded that this Regulation is no longer fit for purpose and so proposes to repeal it. Energy is a strategic sector for Member States rather than the EU and so the reporting obligations on Member States to the Commission should be minimal.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report. The proposal from the Commission aims to make it easier for Member States to initiate an inquiry when it comes to VAT fraud in cross-border trade. The report proposes to makes it easier for an administrative investigation to be opened if two states request it, and improves exchange of information procedures. The report establishes the concept of ‘certified taxpayer’ to improve legal security in cross-border trade.No new instrument is created by the proposal. Eurofisc, the existing body to deal with cross-border VAT fraud, already has powers to deal with data analysis and these are strengthened.VAT fraud results in the loss of billions of euro for tax revenue agencies across the EU each year; last year the VAT gap was estimated to be EUR 151 billion. I support deepening administrative cooperation between Member States in order to combat cross-border VAT fraud.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report which highlights the severe violations of indigenous rights around the world. This report calls for greater protection for indigenous communities.This report recognises that EU Member States have a particular responsibility to ensure that funding awarded to non-EU countries through EU programmes does not contribute to rights violations. It also calls for extensive measures to ensure that EU businesses are held responsible for violations of indigenous rights and that those indigenous communities are given the right to legal redress in Europe.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on this report. I acknowledge that it has elements that are very good, calling for the EU and Member States to be more ambitious on the international platform and reconfirming commitment to the Paris Agreement. It has good sections on climate finance and encouraging the full implementation of the Paris Agreement.Unfortunately, there are some elements which have led me to abstain rather than vote in favour. I regret the deletion of a very good section regarding the debate on a legal definition of ‘climate refugee’, which significantly weakens the text. Another paragraph stresses how Member States must be active partners in international organisations and forums and mentions NATO among a long list of organisations. Thirdly, there is a paragraph dedicated to the EU Emissions Trading System, the EU carbon market, calling on the EU to be at the forefront of developing international and regional partnerships on carbon markets and promoting the development of carbon pricing mechanisms in third states. Sinn Féin’s position is that market solutions as part of climate policy benefit big players by way of pollution permits and are ineffective as a mechanism for reducing emissions.

2016/11/22

. – Although this report had many positive aspects, we voted against it as it sought to encourage the mainstreaming of a ‘European Student Card’, a project which Sinn Féin opposes.The report also calls on Member States to increase spending in the Cultural Sector. Sinn Féin believes that the Irish Government should spend more in this sector, but it is not the place of the European Union to interfere with Member States’ budgets.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this report, which would introduce a ‘proportionality test’ to restrict Member States from regulating professions. The regulation of professions is a national competence and should remain so. The test that is being proposed here has been devised to be so restrictive that it will be next to impossible for Member States to propose new measures where necessary in the public interest. The test makes it possible for other countries and the European Commission to oppose another country’s national measures based on 1) whether existing rules are perceived to be sufficient, 2) appropriateness, 3) impact on free movement, 4) possibility for less restrictive means, 5) combined effect with existing measures, 6) necessity in the public interest.It is clear that the aim of the Directive is to reduce the amount of regulated professions and make it harder to introduce regulations, even where this might be in the public interest. No sectors have been excluded from the scope of this Directive, even those in the healthcare sector. Since this would be a massive restriction on the right of governments to regulate in the public interest, we voted against the report.

2016/11/22

. – This report concerns Member States allowing hauliers to hire and use vehicles in other Member States. This proposal would remove the possibility of Member States to regulate the use of hired vehicles for goods operations in their country. It proposes to keep only the possibility to restrict the use of goods vehicles that are above six tonnes, and limiting the time of use of the hired vehicle to four months. The report’s removal of this competency from Member States and promotion of liberalisation could lead to breaches on tax. The report also makes no effort to comment on the right of the driver to information on the vehicle hired, and its leasing arrangements. The report focuses on opening the market, without any effort to address the problems this would indefinitely cause.We therefore voted against the report.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against the TRAN Committee mandate to enter into inter-institutional negotiations at this point in the legislative procedure. By objecting to the TRAN Committee mandate, the report will be voted on in the July plenary in the European Parliament where amendments can be submitted by MEPs and then afterwards the report will go to negotiations between the European Parliament, Commission and Council.Sinn Fein believes that legislative reports should be brought to plenary sessions at the European Parliament to ensure that the elected voices of the people get the utmost chance to engage with legislation, before entering inter-institutional negotiations.In order to ensure democratic scrutiny of this file before it entered inter-institutional negotiations, I voted against a mandate for Trilogue until the full plenary had been given a chance to debate and submit amendments as necessary.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of the objection. The European Commission sought to adopt a delegated act for the North Sea that could allow electric pulse fishing in some areas in the Channel/North Sea off the Belgian coast. One measure included allowing ‘alternative seabed-impacting fishing gear’, which could have given the green light to the highly controversial practice of electric pulse fishing inside a protected area. Pulse trawl fishing is something Irish coastal communities have been very vocal against; electric fishing has been banned in many parts of the world already.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this resolution, which is the Parliament’s input into the Commission’s negotiations with the African, Caribbean and Pacific states for a new EU-ACP partnership agreement that will replace the problematic Cotonou Agreement.The resolution is good in that it calls for anti-poverty measures and meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals to be the key goal of the agreement, while criticising the Commission’s current text on migration.Importantly, the resolution also questions the role of economic partnership agreements between the EU and ACP states, which have often been exploitative.I voted in favour of amendments urging the Commission to promote transparency, and combating tax avoidance. I voted against an amendment from the EPP that states that the existing Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) between the EU and ACP states are a means for development, as this is inaccurate and damaging. The EPAs should not be incorporated into this general development partnership agreement.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report, which takes stock of the application and transposition of EU law in the Member States. In general there were a number of good elements in the report, including an in—depth look at how EU laws were failing to address issues such as the gender pay gap, gender and LGBT discrimination in practice. There were also strong calls for the European Social Pillar to be delivered through legislation, as well as references to the fact that many Member States are discarding their obligations with regard to asylum and migration.Unfortunately, the final text that was voted on included a paragraph criticising discrimination practiced on the basis of the official languages of a Member State in schools and public administration. The report viewed this as an obstacle to free movement. In Ireland, it is vital that the Irish language continues to be promoted in our public institutions. This means the continuation of certain language obligations with regard to members of the Gardaí, teachers and other sectors of our public administration. It is inappropriate for a Parliamentary Report to include calls that will in practice have far reaching consequences for the protection of national and minority languages.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this recommendation. This recommendation was in relation to the draft council decision on the composition of the European Parliament for the period 2019-2024. The major theme of this recommendation focused on the new distribution of MEP seats after Brexit. Much like our position on the European Parliament Report of 7 February 2018, we were against this recommendation as it advocates that the south of Ireland would be allocated 13 MEP seats in the next European Parliamentary term. Whilst an increase of seats in the south of Ireland is to be welcomed, in real terms, since the north will be losing three seats, it means that the island of Ireland will lose a seat in the European Parliament. This represents a diminution of citizens’ rights caused by Brexit through a reduction of democratic representation. Sinn Féin believes that the north must retain its voice in the European Parliament post-Brexit, and the Taoiseach has a responsibility to ensure that these seats are allocated to the north of Ireland. Sinn Féin believes that Brexit cannot mean a reduction of representation in the European Parliament for any citizen in the island of Ireland. Therefore we voted against this recommendation.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report. It is a technical proposal to amend the annex of the regulation on insolvency proceedings in order to incorporate several updates from Member States. Portugal, Croatia, Latvia and Bulgaria have all notified the Council about recent changes they have made in their domestic laws, introducing new types of insolvency proceedings or practitioners. This report updates the existing regulation in order to take these changes into account.The underlying regulation does not apply to Ireland, which has applied to be exempt from the common insolvency framework. The report clarifies this in the text, so I voted in favour as it is a purely technical update that respects Ireland’s exemption.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on this report. Although I have taken into consideration the positive human rights record and policing methods within Iceland, I have concerns with regard to the Internal Security Fund and a number of other measures included in these agreements. The report calls for countries to ensure a high and uniform level of control at the external borders, including by tackling illegal immigration. It also calls for supplementary rules for external borders and visas and robust levels of law enforcement at borders. The measures discussed here and language used completely dehumanise the very dangerous situation refugees and migrants face when they present themselves at border. Amnesty International have called on Iceland to accept more refugees, including through resettlement and relocation programs, and it is vital that those countries, by virtue of the Internal Security Fund, are not enabling the lowering or ignoring of human rights, which includes treatment of refugees and asylum seekers.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained on this report. Although we have taken into consideration the positive human rights record and policing methods in the Swiss Confederation, we have concerns with regard to the Internal Security Fund and a number of other measures included in these agreements.The report calls for countries to ensure a high and uniform level of control at the external borders, including by tackling illegal immigration. It also calls for supplementary rules for external borders and visas and for robust law enforcement at borders. The measures discussed here and language used completely dehumanise the very dangerous situation that refugees and migrants face when they present themselves at a border.European countries should be focusing on resettlement and relocation programmes, and it is vital that these countries are not, by virtue of the Internal Security Fund, enabling human rights to be eroded or ignored, including in the treatment of refugees and asylum seekers.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this report, which advocates lifting the remaining restrictions concerning the use of the Schengen Information System (SIS) by Bulgaria and Romania. These SIS alerts are for the purposes of refusing entry or stay. We take issue with cooperation on ‘law-enforcement and border control’ in so far as the treatment of refugees, asylum-seekers and migrants is concerned, with the use of forced returns and entry bans.Amnesty International’s 2017/18 report in respect of Bulgaria highlights how summary detentions, pushbacks and abuses at the border continue, in spite of European efforts to prevent this type of treatment. The necessary services are not being provided to migrants and refugees, including unaccompanied children, and migrants are often subjected to a climate of xenophobia and intolerance.There have been reports, again, of excessive use of force by border police, and of theft. Human rights organisations have documented numerous allegations of ill-treatment of refugees and asylum-seekers, as well as substandard conditions in detention facilities, concerns about the summary return of persons to Turkey, and the use of physical force. A similar report by Amnesty International on Romania referenced overcrowding in prisons and poor conditions in detention centres, as well as failures to uphold the fundamental rights of minorities.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this report. Whilst there is a sturdy commitment in this report to the protection of the environment in line with international agreements such as the Paris agreement, the reduction of waste, and the offsetting of the rural decline, we could not endorse this report due to several recommendations which clearly over step the line in terms of the EU’s competences.To the critical detriment of the report, it recommends an ‘appropriate EU-level taxation as part of the own resources of the next multi-annual financial framework’ which is something that Sinn Féin is categorically opposed to. Sinn Féin believes that we all have a responsibility for the planet, the protection of the environment, and to use our natural resources in a sensible, and sustainable way. While there are many actions that we believe can and should be taken at EU level to combat climate change, we do not support EU-level taxation.

2016/11/22

. – This is the fourth time the European Commission has requested the Parliament’s ‘urgent’ consent to macro-financial assistance to Ukraine since 2014. Approval of this loan would bring the debt faced by Ukraine with regard to the EU to EUR 3.4bn. Sinn Féin has in the past been critical of this process of increasing debt and imposing IMF economic reform conditionality on loans which do not guarantee sustainable development.On this occasion we have further concerns about Ukraine’s failure to take anti-corruption measures that were a conditionality on previous loan packages. In fact, failure to take such measures resulted in the last tranche of funding behind withheld on the previous round. There are ongoing issues in Ukraine involving politicians at the highest levels, as well as the harassment of anti-corruption campaigners. It is vital that these issues are resolved before further assistance is given.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this report, which concerns the EU association agreement with Chile. There are many areas in which international cooperation is needed, such as on climate change, human rights, and development. This report unfortunately represents a continuation of the EU’s push for neoliberal trade deals: it calls for ‘free and open trade’ and welcomes the possibility of free-trade agreements between the EU and Mercosur, and other such agreements.The report also calls for the EU further to emphasise anti-migrant and military policies as part of the association agreement, increasing, for example, EU military cooperation with Chile.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report which calls for a further militarisation of the EU through more military cooperation with NATO. This report calls on the EU to increase its role in global militarism and ensuring that EU policies complement NATO efforts.This report seeks to make the EU a military union; it highlights ways in which the European Defence Fund and Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) can be used to increase the EU’s military presence in NATO missions.The report also calls for data—sharing between the EU and NATO, ignoring the right to privacy of EU citizens, particularly citizens of non—NATO Member States such as Ireland.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report which calls for the EU to develop offensive cyber—capabilities which would give the EU the ability to engage in cyber—attacks. This goes far beyond defensive measures and would see the EU acting aggressively towards non-Member States.The report calls for cyber—defence measures to be coordinated at an EU level without first assessing whether or not national cyber—defence measures would benefit from this coordination.This is an effort to use the legitimate concerns around cybersecurity to advance the militarisation of Europe instead of actually addressing the challenges posed by cyber—attacks. The recommendations in this report will only increase militarisation, they will not make the EU any safer.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this text. Sinn Féin tabled amendments that passed in committee and which highlighted the need to protect artisanal small-scale fishermen to ensure their survival and generational replacement in the face of any expansion of recreational activity. The development of recreational fishing activities must not mean a reduction in professional fishing opportunities or a sharing of scarce resources between professional and recreational activities.The text goes to great lengths to create a fair definition of recreational fisheries and to draw a distinction between recreational fisheries and semi-substance fishing. This difference is important if we want to avoid IUU fishing hiding under recreational fisheries.The report calls for financing for the development of recreational fisheries in the tourism sector and for a common database of fishery resources to be made accessible to researchers and used through the EMFF.From an environmental perspective as well, the text acknowledges the impact that recreational fisheries can have on freshwater ecosystems in terms of possible contamination of non-indigenous species in waterways frequented by anglers.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this report, and against the Commission’s proposal.The European Market Infrastructures Regulation (EMIR) was enacted in 2012 and aimed to address systemic risks on the derivatives market in the wake of the financial crisis of 2007-2008. Unregulated trade in OTC derivatives was at the heart of the global financial crisis. The Commission proposed a review of EMIR on 4 May 2017 as part of its Regulatory Fitness and Performance (REFIT) programme.The Commission’s proposal aimed to simplify the requirements of EMIR for those engaged in trading in and clearing derivatives.The Commission proposal is an attempt to deregulate the derivatives market in the name of reducing the administrative burden and costs for market participants. The rapporteur’s approach was to take this even further by including the demands of the industry for more exemptions and fewer reporting requirements, and for weaker obligations when it comes to the clearing of derivatives. The impact of these changes will be to make the financial system in the EU less stable and more vulnerable to a future crisis caused by loosely regulated trade in derivatives.

2016/11/22

. – The proposal is a review of European Aviation Safety Agency’s framework regulation, which dictates its remit, future implementation, management and funding.The new proposal would introduce risk and performance rules and close safety gaps in cyber security. The report calls for clear safety regulations for civil unmanned aircraft (civil drones) specifically the need for mandatory registration for higher risk civil drone operations, for the aircraft to have a registration number on it to indicate the owner, and to protect privacy. It calls for drones to be forbidden in military, airport, nuclear and chemical plant areas.However, the proposal includes pooling of aviation inspectors and experts across Member States and granting extra responsibilities to the European Aviation Safety Agency. The report focuses on harmonisation and liberalisation of the sector. As we do not wish to remove powers from national aviation authorities regardless of the reports good points, we chose to abstain on the report.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of the agreement at Trilogue and the Commission statement. The agreement attempts to certify, monitor and record CO2 emission and fuel consumption figures, as is being done for cars and vans, by establishing a mandatory EU wide system for monitoring and reporting of CO2 emissions and fuel consumption from heavy duty vehicles (HDVs) by manufacturers. The Commission is proposing establishing a software for obtaining comparable figures for heavy vehicles, a ‘certification regulation’ and, aims to set CO2 targets for this sector. The agreement also makes certain data reported under the Regulation publically available via a register managed by the European Environment Agency. The Commission has agreed to come forward with a proposal on heavy-duty vehicle CO2 standards this year, which is also promised in the Commission statements.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this non-legislative report on the Modernisation of Education in the EU. This report includes recommendations from the Culture and Education Committee to the European Commission following the release of their Communication on higher education, school development and quality teaching. The report calls for the development of quality education by encouraging cooperation between Member States and facilitating the exchange of information and experiences to consider innovative and improving measures, where appropriate. The report contains a number of recommendations on how to improve the quality of education in Member States, whilst that education is a Member State competency.For these reasons, I voted in favour in the report.

2016/11/22

. – On this file, I abstained. I agreed with parts of the report that stated that responsible and sustainable aquaculture has a role in contributing to long-term food security alongside growth and employment and the socio-economic benefits that this entails in rural coastal areas.However, I had concerns about the references to culling and reviewing the conservational status of certain animal species that are protected; hence, we abstained instead of voting in favour.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report to create an EU legal framework to prevent odometer manipulation in motor vehicles.30-50% of all cars in cross-border trade are affected by odometer fraud, which threatens safety and adds additional cost to consumers.The report aims to create legal, technical and operational barriers to odometer manipulation. It calls for odometer data to be collected at NCTs, and maintenance visits at garages. It calls for this data on mileage to be available cross—border so if someone buys a car in another EU country they will have a safeguard that the odometer has not been tampered with. The report calls for Member States to use EUCARIS (European CAR and driving license Information System), an already existing database, which can be used for a cost—effective exchange of odometer readings.Any data collected will follow the rules of European data protection, and only be practiced for preventing odometer manipulation and with the highest level of cyber—protection.Considering that the data will only focus on odometers, which is a problem in predominantly cross—border purchases, we voted in favour of the report.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained on this report. The Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) was established in 2001 to improve the EU response to natural and man—made disasters inside and outside Europe. It intervenes in different kind of emergencies: wildfires, floods, marine pollution, earthquakes, hurricanes and industrial accidents. Any country in the world, the UN and other relevant international organisations can request assistance through the mechanism. However, the UCPM still relies on a voluntary system of mutual assistance and on capacities offered by the Member States, which has proven to be a limitation for the forest fires of 2017, and so the Commission has proposed to amend it.The report focuses particularly on prevention and response to man-made disasters, industrial pollution and natural disasters and aims to simplify and strengthen the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism. While we support the intentions behind the report there is still an issue with subsidiarity, conferring a strategic coordination role to the Commission. This allows the Commission to decide on deployment and retaining operational command and control of operations. Sinn Féin supports coordinated action for assistance during disasters, but the Commission must not be handed additional strategic powers.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this motion which welcomes the creation of an EU defence union, claiming it would have a beneficial impact on infrastructure, and calls on the Commission to use EU transport and energy funding on defence infrastructure. We voted against this report as we believe EU funding should be spent on citizens alone, not on promoting the militarisation of Europe.We instead supported the GUE/NGL alternative motion which calls for funding allocation for transport projects that are sustainable for the climate and environment. Sinn Féin believes EU transport policy should be used to strengthen the infrastructure of peripheral regions and address missing transport links.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against the joint motion for resolution because it does not reflect a balanced analysis of the situation in Nicaragua. The resolution levels blame firmly at the Government for the loss of life in recent weeks. The protests began as a rejection of proposed cuts of 5% to pensions, as required due to the difficult economic situation the country is undergoing. The Government responded to the wishes of the protestors by scrapping the proposed cuts, but the protests have continued. The resolution ignores the murder of police officers, looting of business and confrontational element to the protests, where homemade arms are visible.It further ignores the efforts of the Government to resolve the dispute through mediation and the establishment of a witness commission, to investigate police overreaction. Sinn Féin defends the right of the Nicaraguan people to peaceful protest and calls for an immediate end to aggression on both sides. Sinn Féin wishes to see justice for the victims and for the Government to ensure the freedom of the press is protected in all cases. On this basis, Sinn Féin supported the draft motion for resolution, put forward by the GUE/NGL group, as a more accurate reflection of the situation.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report which discusses how EU external relations can advance gender equality and female empowerment. The report calls for advancement of the Gender Action Plan II, encourages DG TRADE to implement gender mainstreaming in any trade deals, welcomes the EU-UN global gender initiative to address female genital mutilation, early forced marriage and human trafficking, calls for support for sexual and reproductive health and rights, and improve the implementation of the EU LGBTIQ+ Guidelines.We note parts of the report aim to promote female participation in the EU military which we oppose – we do not believe participation in any military is the correct way to achieve female empowerment. However, as the report was predominantly progressive, we voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – We voted to abstain on the Implementation of the EU Youth Strategy report as despite recognising that youth NEET remains a significant problem in Europe, and notes as such the Youth Strategy has fallen short of its objectives, the report also claims the EU Youth Strategy has had a substantial positive impact without adequately supporting this claim. Furthermore the report revived the idea of an e-card which we oppose.Positives include the report’s criticism of austerity, lack of clear benchmarking, highlighting short-comings at the national level, and ongoing inequality despite economic growth.Ultimately, we could not vote in favour of the report as it portrayed the EU Youth Strategy in an overly positive light without sufficient evidence.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report. This is an implementation INI report that enhances the evolution from energy savings to resource efficiency according to the principles of circular economy, and so it broadens the scope of the directive. The report acknowledges that the Ecodesign Directive has being a successful instrument for the improvement of energy efficiency and recommends that the Commission includes more product groups. The report recommends improvements to market surveillance. It tries to ensure consistency and convergence between Ecodesign regulations and horizontal regulations such as Union legislation on chemicals and waste, and to increase synergies with Green Public Procurement and the EU Ecolabel. The report requests that the general public needs to have clear information about the benefits of Ecodesign.

2016/11/22

. – This resolution is a response to numerous petitions received by the European Parliament about the growth of precariousness of work across Europe, and a hearing the issue was held in the Petitions Committee last November.Overall, it is a good resolution, highlighting and criticising the significant growth of precariousness, the often gendered nature of this work, and in particular the serious abuse of fixed-term contracts. It calls on the Commission and Member States to work together with all social partners – particularly trade unions – to combat all forms of precarious employment, including zero hour contracts.On a number of points the resolution is overly supportive of the idea that EU law and European Court of Justice jurisprudence – if fully implemented – would solve these problems. EU law, however, contains numerous shortcomings and problems concerning workers’ rights. This was only a minor part of what was a generally good text, however.We therefore voted in favour of the resolution.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report as it seeks to provide assistance to Greece, Spain, France and Portugal. Regions in these countries have been struck with severe natural disasters and this report will mobilise the European Solidarity Fund to provide assistance to those regions. The report highlights the extent of the damage caused to the various regions mentioned and clearly shows the need for the mobilisation of the fund. The proposed mobilisation requires an amendment to the 2018 budget and a draft amending budget (N°1/2018), aiming at increasing budget line 13 06 01 by EUR 97 646 105 both in commitment and payment appropriations. Sinn Féin welcomes this report as it shows solidarity to those affected by these disasters and aims at helping people recover in the aftermath of the natural disasters.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report as it seeks to approve the amendment to the 2018 budget relating the mobilisation of European Solidarity Fund to provide assistance to Greece, Spain, France and Portugal. The mobilisation of the fund for this purpose shows solidarity with the victims of these natural disasters and Sinn Féin is fully in favour of it.

2016/11/22

. – Approval without a vote

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report to mobilise EUR 350 000 from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund to provide technical assistance to the Commission. The technical assistance provided entails data gathering and monitoring to eventually create EGF websites; along with technical assistance to Member States. This would mean greater ease of access for Member States seeking to apply. We support the continued work to standardise application procedures for the fund and thus increase the speed at which the relief for workers can be accessed. The report underlines liaising between the fund and those at national, regional and local level; we welcome this increase in synergies. The fund itself helps those affected negatively by globalisation and Sinn Féin welcomes the increase in ease of access and availability to the fund.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this objection. This is the latest objection brought forward by the European Parliament to the Commission’s GMO authorisation, again on the grounds that the implementing powers in the basic act are being exceeded. The genetically modified crop in question confers tolerance to glyphosate and would consequently be exposed to higher dosages of the chemical. This would influence the composition of plants and have adverse effects on biodiversity and soil quality, not to mention on human and animal health, while also paving the way for vast monocultures. Sinn Féin opposes the current authorisation procedure because it is non-democratic, a point also criticised by President Juncker, and supports the ongoing objections through the European Parliament.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this objection. This is the latest objection to have been brought forward by the European Parliament to the Commission’s GMO authorisation, again on the grounds that the implementing powers in the basic act are being exceeded. The genetically modified crop in question confers tolerance to glyphosate and would consequently be exposed to higher dosages of the chemical. This would influence the composition of plants and have adverse effects on biodiversity and soil quality, not to mention on human and animal health, while also paving the way for vast monocultures. Sinn Féin opposes the current authorisation procedure because it is non-democratic, a point also criticised by President Juncker, and supports the ongoing objections through the European Parliament.

2016/11/22

. – We voted to abstain.Positive elements include the call for a limit on access to the market for those guilty of illegal fishing, and requiring third countries (with which the EU has trade relations) to ratify and implement effectively key international fishery instruments. It is not fair or justifiable that the sale of Irish seafood products, especially domestically, should be negatively impacted by imported products from producers and suppliers who do not respect or conform to the same rules as Irish fishermen.However, the report also calls for a more centralised controls regulation and increased sanction capacity; and for the extension of the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA)’s powers. This goes against regionalisation and the decentralisation of responsibilities to Member States. We oppose any further centralisation of powers to institutions in this regard, as it is at the expense of Irish decision making.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report because, although it has many glaring failures, it would be unwise to block its adoption, given that it contains some elements that would improve the lives of farmers. The report calls for a move away from the current system of historic entitlements: such a move would improve the situation of young farmers and reduce inequality between farmers in the EU.The report recognises the need for a strong budget in the face of current challenges to the sector, such as trade deals and Brexit. On that basis, it calls for the current budget allocation to be at least maintained. The report contains other positives such as proposals to deal with generation renewal and a new architecture framework.However, it is disappointing that the report was not more ambitious. The measures proposed only scratch the surface when looking at inequality between farmers and the challenges faced by young farmers. It is clear the rapporteur did not wish to have a radical impact on the status quo. Sinn Fein believes that tweaking an unjust system will not deliver sufficient change in the short to medium term.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained on this report, which takes stock of the implementation of the Interinstitutional Agreement (IIA) on better law-making, which was adopted in April 2016. There are several positive elements of the report, such as strong calls for increased transparency and traceability in the decision-making processes of the EU institutions, including reaffirming the right of public access to documents, and for better impact assessments that include examining the social and environmental impact of proposals. However, it also promotes aspects of the IIA that we are critical of, such as the annual burden survey (which is often used to cut workers’ rights and environmental standards in the name of ‘cutting red tape’) and the promotion of secondary legislation – giving the Commission power to adopt delegated regulations that have minimal democratic oversight. Due to the inclusion of these negative aspects we could not fully support the report, and abstained.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against the joint resolution of EPP, S&D, ALDE and the Greens as the resolution supports a larger MFF in financial terms to the one proposed by the Commission and supports expanded and new EU own resources. It also failed to oppose the unprecedented Militarisation of the EU that this MFF proposal entails.We voted against the GUE/NGL resolution despite it containing many points we support, such as its rejection of the European Defence Fund and cuts to socially beneficial programmes such as CAP and Cohesion. This was due to the fact that the resolution calls in a number of paragraphs for both a substantially increased budget and new own resources.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this report which calls for continued cooperation between the EU and Libya to prevent refugees from reaching Europe. It calls for more EU military involvement with a focus on preventing refugees from fleeing conflict, rather than on saving lives.The report makes no mention of the disastrous impact of EU and US intervention in Libya in creating the current crisis.It also supports cooperation with the Libyan Coast Guard despite their clear evidence of human rights abuses.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report. Whilst there was some positive elements of the text, such as a commitment to the principle of non-refoulement, the need for a search and rescue operation and the fact that detention is never in the best interest of a child, the overwhelming body of the report was regressive. This report contains worrying sentiments, such as the control of ‘irregular migration’, in addition to the enhancement of return policies and EU co-operation with third countries, which demonstrates a clear intention to stem the flow of refugees and migration into the EU.None of these issues are arguably related to the actual subject of the report, and it additionally recommends the introduction of biometric search capacities, which is a fundamental offence to freedom of movement. It is clear that any attempt which intends to stem the flows of refugees and migrants is counterproductive and morally wrong.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report because it makes a progressive approach to helping the victims of violence and recommends that criminal justice systems should be centred around the victim, so as to ensure the empowerment of victims. It is clear that when victims of violence deal with criminal justice systems whist they are empowered, the chances that they are repeatedly victimised or intimidated are mitigated – as indeed is the trauma from having to relive past experiences.The report strongly recommends that all Member States fully transpose the directive for establishing the minimum standards of rights, support and protection of victims of crime. It also recommends that victim support services should be set up throughout the EU, that there should be accessibility to women’s shelters and centres free at the point of need, and it urges all Member States to fully ratify and implement the Istanbul Convention. Sinn Féin has consistently called for the ratification of the Istanbul Convention, as we have a responsibility to face up to the scale of the problem of violence, particularity violence towards women, in our society.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report, which was an appraisal of the European Commission’s Trade Policy two years on from its Trade for All strategy.The Trade for All strategy made numerous commitments related to transparency which have yet to be realised, meanwhile there has been a significant intensification of negotiations with limited to little debate. Sinn Féin is highly critical of Agreements such as TiSA and Mercosur, as well as the inclusion of proposals for a Multilateral Investment Court in a number of other agreements. This report gives political support to a number of agreements which have yet to be debated or ratified by national parliaments, as well calling for the speeding up of other negotiations.The report speaks against any form of protection for national sectors, even those the most vulnerable to competition. It also incorrectly labels the CCP as a value-based policy, despite it being the opposite of that for developing countries and when it comes to the pushing for the protection of human rights with others.

2016/11/22

. – Approval without a vote.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report, which was a technical amendment to the Baltic Multiannual Plan to modify maximum sustainable yield—related values based on the latest scientific advice.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report, which is a straightforward codification of existing texts, to change numbering of articles on the file. The vote was purely technical and does not change the substance of the text.

2016/11/22

. – This agreement provides the legal basis for changes brought in by the reform of the General System of Preferences (GSP) in 2010 for Switzerland. The reform replaced the former system of certificates of origin (by Form A) by a new registered exporters (REX) system. The new system cuts out a lot of paperwork and agencies.It also provides the legal basis for the new system of cumulation of origin whereby GSP countries incorporate materials from destination countries in their final products in order to benefit from increased preferential terms when exporting.The new system is actually already in place, having been negotiated over an exchange of letters a few years ago; however, this report gives consent to the proper legal tool for application.Since this Report regularises structures already in place for the simplification of procedures for GSP countries, I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – This agreement provides the legal basis for changes brought in by the reform of the General System of Preferences (GSP) in 2010 for Norway. The reform replaced the former system of certificates of origin (by Form A) by a new registered exporters (REX) system. The new system cuts out a lot of paperwork and agencies.It also provides the legal basis for the new system of cumulation of origin whereby GSP countries incorporate materials from destination countries in their final products in order to benefit from increased preferential terms when exporting.The new system is actually already in place, having been negotiated over an exchange of letters a few years ago, however this Report gives consent to the proper legal tool for application.Since this Report regularises structures already in place for the simplification of procedures for GSP countries, we voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report to approve the Commission’s agreement with Norway on administrative cooperation between the EU and Norway when it comes to combating fraud through VAT. We support administrative cooperation such as the automatic exchange of information and cooperation between the Financial Intelligence Units among EU Member States in the area of tax evasion and potential financial crime, including in the field of VAT, and this agreement extends a similar agreement to the EU and Norway, which is part of the European Economic Area.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this file as it calls for better added value to fish products and more influence to fish producer organisations in the supply chains. It also references better promotion of local seafood products in order to boost domestic consumption, which would advance a circular economy.The report also acknowledges the unsecure and uncertain conditions that fishermen work in and calls for fairer quotas and stricter and more accurate labelling, especially with regard to protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications in the coastal areas.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report because it has a number of positive elements that, if implemented, could be beneficial for young farmers. The report highlights the challenges faced by young farmers such as access to land. This major issue is the result of problems in the transition of land from old farmers to young. The report calls for increased support in helping farmers to develop farm succession plans and it suggests a re-examination of the farmer retirement scheme.The report is also critical of farm entitlements, as the system of buying and selling of those entitlements creates a market to the detriment of young farmers. It is unfortunate that the report put forward loans as an answer to the plight of young farmers when starting out, and it fails to examine why young people may be dissuaded from entering the sector, for reasons such as unprofitability. Sinn Féin believes a holistic approach must be taken when dealing with the challenges faced by young farmers. This approach would include examinations into why entering the sector is undesirable, the inability to gain entitlements and the reasons why older farmers are reluctant to pass on entitlements.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this file as we shared the concerns of Irish fishermen and NGOs about its content. From an environmental stance, it contains elements that are contrary to United Nation Sustainable Development Goal 14, which emphasises the need to address the impact of overfishing and marine pollution and to safeguard and conserve for sustainable use of the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. It also expresses concern for the future existence of small-scale fisheries.We also voted against this file because the European Commission failed to respond to Sinn Féin requests for information for fishermen and for clarification on whether this Regulation and its replacement would also apply to Irish waters and whether it is intended to be exercised anywhere other than the North Sea and adjacent waters, as the provisional agreement states that the scope of the provisions of the plan relating to targets and safeguards for stocks that are mainly exploited in the North Sea should be extended for those areas outside the North Sea.

2016/11/22

. – A posted worker is one who remains attached to the labour market rules of their previous Member State, isn’t deemed to be integrated into the labour market of a host Member State, and therefore is not ensured the same rights and conditions as local workers.This is an obvious mechanism for exploitation, and this revision of the Posting of Workers Directive has not turned it into a clear instrument for social protection of posted workers. It will also certainly not solve the wider issue of social dumping in Europe.While some important issues, including subcontracting and road transport workers, were not included in the revision, this is nevertheless an improvement of the existing directive.The balance has been slightly shifted in favour of better conditions for posted workers which in some Member States could mean a smaller wage gap and less room for exploitation by companies.Key wins included a new definition on remuneration, so that all of the host country’s rules on remuneration, as set by law or collective agreements, should apply to posted workers, and the extension of sectoral and local collective agreements to posted workers.I therefore voted in favour of the updated directive.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of the transposition of Conservation and Management Measures (CMM) from the South Pacific covering a range of matters from illegal fishing to measures to protecting biodiversity, these are significant issues in the South Pacific which has suffered greatly from illegal, unregulated fishing and damage to marine biodiversity.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this very positive (non-legislative) report, which contains a lot of cutting-edge thinking on changing practices in the banking and finance sectors to develop ‘sustainable finance’, focused mainly on combating climate change but also at ensuring other environmental and social factors are brought to the forefront of decision-making processes on investment by banks, funds and financial instruments.The report acknowledges and praises the moves by financial institutions to date to divest from coal, and urges divestment from other fossil fuels. It calls for the introduction of a green finance mark in the EU, and makes a comprehensive and ambitious set of proposals to change every sector of finance to ensure it considers sustainability – in the ECB’s asset purchasing programmes, capital adequacy requirements, green bonds and many more areas - to actively promote good environmental and social governance in this sector.

2016/11/22

. – The EU Justice Scoreboard is an annual exercise, which gives an overview of the independence, quality and efficiency of national justice systems. The Report being voted on today gives an opinion on the data gathered by the Commission and provides ways to improve the gathering of that data.Positive aspects include calls for justice systems to deal with case backlogs, the need for more focus on mediation and ADR, gender balance in the judiciary, the need for increased use of ICT and access to justice for vulnerable groups. This time there is also a section on the need for legal aid for applicants below the poverty threshold as well as the need for the Commission to start collecting data on collective redress procedures.Sinn Féin is currently engaged in pushing for reforms such as collective redress schemes at national level. It is vital that the justice system remains open for as many applicants and citizens as possible, and since this Report echoed that call, I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report, which was a technical measure to update the text of the Protocol to the EU-Uzbekistan Partnership and Cooperation Agreement to account for Croatia’s membership of the EU.The Partnership and Cooperation Agreement was adopted in 2011 before Croatia was an EU Member State. This vote was a technical revision to take Croatia’s EU membership into account.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report, which was a technical measure to update the text of the EU-Korea Framework Agreement to account of Croatia’s membership of the EU.The Framework Agreement was adopted in 2010, before Croatia was an EU Member State.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of implementing control measures on ADB-CHMINACA. This decision aims at preventing this harmful substance from being sold to consumers. Legal highs are lethal, toxic and, in some cases, more potent than drugs such as cocaine and have throughout Ireland and Europe caused deaths, destroyed families, and have caused severe illness and psychosis. Legal highs are used most commonly by people who are the victims of homelessness, young people in care, or prisoners, and Sinn Féin cannot stand by and allow these substances and their manufactures to exploit the most vulnerable in our societies.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of implementing control measures on CUMYL-4CN-BINACA. This decision aims at preventing this harmful substance being sold to consumers. Legal highs are lethal, toxic and, in some cases, more potent than drugs such as cocaine, and throughout Ireland and Europe they have caused deaths, destroyed families and caused severe illness and psychosis. Legal highs are used most commonly by people who are the victims of homelessness, young people in care, and prisoners. Sinn Féin cannot stand by and allow the most vulnerable in our societies to be exploited through these substances and their manufacture.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report to release funds and assist redundant workers’ reintegration into the workforce after they were let go by Caterpillar or their suppliers in Brussels.Recent changes in global trade patterns, a decrease in the cost of Chinese steel, lower labour costs in Asia and the fragility of Caterpillar’s market in Europe (it is dependent on public-private partnership investments in infrastructure, which have been greatly reduced) has meant that Caterpillar has relocated a number of its European factories to East Asia in order to be closer to their markets over there. This has led to the closure of its factory in Gosselies, next to Charleroi, Hainaut region, Belgium and 5 of its suppliers leaving 2 287 workers redundant. This region has already been hit with high levels of unemployment, deprivation and deindustrialisation.We voted in favour of this report because, while Sinn Féin does not in any way see the EGF as a solution to or compensation for destructive global trade patterns in their current form, it makes sense to use it to alleviate the suffering caused in regions which have suffered because of those patterns.

2016/11/22

. – I voted to abstain on this report. There were a number of positive elements in terms of the need to improve the means of detecting fraud and to fight corruption. However, in its analysis on VAT fraud, the report welcomed the Commission’s proposal of moving to a single VAT area in the EU. This runs contrary to Sinn Féin’s position that Member States should have full autonomy on deciding and implementing taxation policies. While this is an important issue, due to the fact that the vast majority of the report was positive I abstained.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this objection. This is the latest objection brought forward by the European Parliament against the Commission’s GMO authorisation, objected on the same grounds of exceeding the implementing powers in the basic act. The genetically modified crop in question confers tolerance to glyphosate and would consequently be exposed to higher dosages of the chemical. This would influence the composition of plants and have adverse effects on biodiversity and soil quality, not to mention on human and animal health, while also paving the way for vast monocultures. There is also a lack of scientific evidence from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on the chemical residues and the composition of the plants. Sinn Féin opposes the current authorisation procedure due to it being non-democratic decision-making.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report due to its critical stance on transparency and accountability in the EIB. I support its calls for transparency of all operations and disclosure of all operational information on signed operations through the scoreboard of indicators. I support the view that there exists a lack of accountability in the EIB and a need to find ways to address it; such as the need for the Court of Auditors to step up its evaluations of EIB operations. Furthermore, it importantly notes the conflicts of interests to arising from a ‘revolving door’ policy between EIB top management and the private sector.This report also highlights key areas of oversight by EIB on environmental issues; such as the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline, and questions the overall cost-effectiveness of some of the banks operating activities. It calls on the EIB to foster financing of projects in alignment with its climate strategy and the Paris Agreement.For these reasons I voted in favour of the report.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this resolution for two reasons. First, the resolution assumes that the outcome of a democratic process is illegitimate before a vote has even taken place. Sinn Féin believes the Venezuelan people are entitled to this opportunity to vote without EU interference. The resolution refuses to recognise the election, insists new elections occur on EU terms, calls for expanded EU sanctions against Venezuelan ministers, and demands Venezuela’s economic problems be ‘fixed’ using neoliberal agreements with the likes of the IMF and World Bank.Sinn Féin wishes to see a free and fair election take place in Venezuela, and for an end the recent crises. This should include maximum participation by opposition parties in the process and the opportunity for international election observation missions.Venezuela faces major economic and political challenges, where no side is blameless, and where more dialogue is necessary. This resolution was proposed at the last moment, and is intended to be a political statement. Sinn Féin does not support the EU delivering political messages, such as contained in this resolution, deliberately intended to influence the outcome of an election. It is imperative that the Venezuelan people are given the opportunity to decide for themselves, through democratic participation, whether the conditions for the vote are reasonable.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report. Its aim is to promote sustainable transport, however it aims to do this by praising public-private partnerships, and calling for the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) to serve as a platform for public-private partnerships. It calls for a fair balance between public and private investors in the sharing of profit and losses. The report calls for public guarantees for private investment, which Sinn Féin opposes. Its references to infrastructure and transport policy do not adhere to the climate objectives of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons I voted against the report.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this resolution as it acknowledges that the failure of Member States to install family reunification or guardianship programmes has resulted in children being exposed to trafficking, violence and exploitation. It highlights problems of access to education, accommodation and healthcare for children, as well as attesting that the vulnerability of each child is different, and must be accounted for. Sinn Féin is completely committed to the defence and promotion of children’s rights. We believe that in the context of migration and asylum that children should be treated first and foremost as children. Children’s interests must be defended, and Sinn Féin is committed to ensuring that children are protected from violence, abuse and exploitation.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this resolution. This resolution recognises that, while the EU ban on animal testing in the cosmetics industry is an important step, there exists a wide loophole to avoid these welfare standards by way of imports. The resolution acknowledges the need for global action in this area, given that 80% of countries still allow animal testing in cosmetics. It holds that the EU should make sure that no product placed on the market has been tested on animals in a non-EU country. This resolution gives momentum for diplomatic drive to encourage the launch of an international convention within the UN framework, calling for a global ban to be in effect before 2023.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report aimed at addressing problems faced by the sheep and goat sector. This sector is categorised by high economic vulnerabilities and is coming under increasing strain from decreasing consumption, along with the threat of competition from New Zealand and Australian imports. The UK’s departure will have a marked impact on Ireland’s sheep-farming sector, given that Ireland exports 80% of its production, of which 63% is sold on French and UK markets.The report calls for measures to strengthen the sector including voluntary coupled aid and other measures in the new CAP. It further calls for support to be maintained for young farmers and for measures to increase farmers’ bargaining position in the food chain.Furthermore, the report supports establishing an environmental payment to acknowledge the contribution made by sheep and goats to maintaining grassland areas by grazing.Sinn Féin does not believe it is appropriate to open up the Habitats Directive and reiterates that it is a landmark piece of environmental legislation that is fit for purpose but often suffers from insufficient implementation. Sinn Fein calls for the full implementation of this directive as a key effort to protect our biodiversity.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report as it focuses on the protection of freedom of opinion as an important attribute for a democratic and free society. The report notes the issues of fake news, cyberbullying and revenge porn as growing concerns, and seeks to ensure that any remedial action is adopted in specified, explicit and legitimate circumstances under strict judicial oversight. It also notes with extreme concern the rising trend of violence against journalists, especially with the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia in October last year.Sinn Féin has called for an independent, international investigation into this assassination. We believe that media and journalists should be free to investigate and report without fear of violence, and we condemn any attempt to violently coerce or threaten journalists as a method of censorship.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report, which proposes to extend the current system of a common minimum VAT rate in the EU of 15%. I voted against because I oppose the EU setting common tax rates as Member States should have the power to do this, and because VAT is a flat tax on consumption which penalises those on lower incomes. Member States should have the flexibility to set tax rates, exempt items from VAT if they choose and vary the VAT rates on certain goods.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report, which agreed to the outcome of inter-institutional negotiations on the fifth anti-money laundering directive (AMLD).While the strong position adopted by Parliament on this file last year was weakened during the negotiations with the Commission and Council, the outcome is still a significant step forward from the fourth AMLD.The remaining loopholes, particularly that registers of beneficial owners of trusts will not be made public but only available if a ‘legitimate interest’ has not been proven, are a major problem with the outcome, but the fact that the beneficial ownership registries will need to be made publically available is a really significant step forward that has been welcomed by the development, anti-corruption and tax justice sectors. On that basis I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – This file deals with market surveillance of car industries following the Volkswagen scandal.I voted against this report as this is a competency of the Member States and the EU should not be governing over the surveillance of car industries in respective Member States. The file proposes that Member States and the Commission should be guarantors in double surveillance. It calls for complete harmonisation on regulation on car industries throughout the EU. It would allow for police systems to inform registration and manufacturing data on vehicles across Member States via the Commission. The report would lead to a handover of further competences to the Commission such as tests, inspections or other forms of market surveillance which would need a system of European inspectors in order to carry them out, and increase the idea of a federalised EU state.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of the report for a number of reasons. It contains new and positive rules for the marketing of organic products. It aims to address the lack of organic material for reproduction in the EU, as this scarcity has resulted in farmers using non-organic material. In order to combat this, the report calls for the establishment of a database. A website would be created, free of charge, for each Member State to include an inventory of organic reproductive material, organic animals and organic aquaculture juveniles. The use of non-organic plant reproductive material will be phased out over 15 years, if the database shows that the EU has sufficient resources to do so.On pesticides, there is a variety of views whether thresholds for contamination should be implemented. The report does not set a threshold for pesticides residue in organic produce. Some are calling for a very low level or zero tolerance of residue. Having engaged with organic farmers in Ireland, Sinn Féin is satisfied that the current rules at national level are sufficient. However, Sinn Féin agrees that a review should take place in four years to ensure the presence of pesticides in organic produce is not prevalent.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report.The report made a number of positive recommendations and had a good wish list of possible changes to the workplace environment, such as adapted workplaces for people with disabilities, wage transparency, access to healthcare and a number of other reforms. These were all qualified, however, as being recommended within the constraints of budgetary and market conditions. This severely limits any impact that these measures could have. I do not feel that this went far enough.The report also contained a number of recommendations which will have a very negative impact on the economic and social conditions of working people throughout the EU. It states that the reduction of the tax burden on labour should be gradual while calling for more deregulation on businesses. Moreover, the report calls for a strong emphasis on structural reforms and competitiveness which Sinn Féin is completely opposed to. Finally the report calls for pension reforms and a possible raising of the age at which citizens qualify for pensions, which is an unfair burden to place on our population.Overall I felt that the negative aspects in this report far outweighed the positives and that I could not support it or abstain in the vote.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on this file.Two thirds of the expenditure in the budget estimates are index-bound and therefore adjusted according to the Staff Regulations, Statute for Members, sector specific indexation or inflation.I abstained because while the motion for resolution rightly highlights the progress in terms of the percentage of Heading V, the motion fails to criticise the increase in expenditure.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this resolution which condemns the murder of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his partner Martina Kušnírová in their home earlier this year in Slovakia. Ján Kuciak had been investigating cases of corruption and tax fraud in business and politics and was one of the journalists that examined the Panama Papers. The report calls for a full and independent investigation into the murders and calls for better protections for journalists and whistle-blowers across the EU.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this resolution as it notes that an active, well-developed civil society in the European Union is the best way to protect against the erosion of human rights, as well as principles of non-discrimination, tolerance and equality. Civil society organisations often find it difficult to secure funding, and this new instrument would provide targeted financial support to civil society organisations that work to protect human rights. Sinn Féin supports civil society organisations that are committed progressive change, and ones that defend the principles of equality, justice and freedom.

2016/11/22

. – This is a joint motion concerning the arrest and continued detention of two Greek soldiers by the Turkish authorities.The two soldiers were arrested on 1 March in a forested area on the Greece-Turkey border that is a major crossing-point for migrants, refugees and traffickers. Greece asserts that they were on a regular patrol tour of the border.In the past, similar situations have been dealt with then and there by the Greek and Turkish authorities, however, on 4 March, a Turkish court ruled that the soldiers, who are currently being held in maximum security detention, would continue to be detained pending charge and trial.Despite being accused of illegally entering Turkey, the detained soldiers are yet to be actually charged with any offence, well over a month since their arrest.The resolution calls on Turkey to comply with international human rights norms, to promptly carry out the necessary legal proceedings, and, in the spirit of international law and good neighbourly relations, to return the soldiers back to Greece.We therefore voted in favour of the resolution.

2016/11/22

. – This report aims to assess the strengths and weaknesses of existing mechanisms for national parliaments to participate in the European political process eight years after the Lisbon Treaty.The report acknowledges that a lack of transparency in the EU processes has undermined faith in national governments, as well as the ‘recurrent complaint’ that national parliaments have been losing power over budgetary matters due to the ‘European Semester’.It suggests some improvements, such as better and more timely access to documents, greater consultation with national parliaments, and extending the eight-week period during which national parliaments can issue reasoned opinions, but it dismisses the viability of the ‘red card’ procedure to give national parliaments a veto over EU legislation.Overall, however, the report is incredibly federalist in content and intent, and it focuses overwhelmingly on how to reform and further integrate national parliaments into an ever more federal EU framework and ‘European demos’.The report is also openly supportive of the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), which Sinn Féin opposes.We therefore voted against the report.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this report. There were a lot of positive elements in the report, particularly relating to state aid tax cases, Google antitrust issues and more, but there is also a call for the deepening of the Economic and Monetary Union within the framework of the Stability and Growth Pact, and a general call for the further liberalisation of sectors of the single market that have not yet been totally liberalised and privatised, i.e. transport, which we are strongly opposed to.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour. This resolution is in the context of increasing numbers of parents and patients choosing to delay or refuse vaccines, with data showing a significant drop in vaccine use across Europe. The consequences are a return of paediatric diseases such as measles, which has seen a surge in Europe lately, having previously been considered eradicated.The resolution recognises the potential role of vaccines in combatting AMR, calls for a fully comprehensive EU Action Plan dealing with vaccine hesitancy, stresses the independence of research programmes and that researchers must declare conflicts of interests.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report as European Protection Orders protect persons against people and acts that may endanger their lives. There is particularly a gender-based approach to this report and it includes a petition to Member States to protect people from gender-based violence and to ratify the Istanbul Convention – which Sinn Féin has repeatedly called for in Ireland. Whilst Ireland is exempt from European Protection Orders, and while there has not been an extensive assessment of the use of European Protection Orders throughout Member States, the aim to encourage cooperation between European nations to develop a gender-based approach to supporting victims of violence cannot be ignored.

2016/11/22

. – On the motion for a resolution on the Bologna Process, we abstained.The Bologna Process is a collective effort of public authorities, universities, teachers and students, together with stakeholder associations, employers, quality assurance agencies, international organisations, and institutions, including the Commission. We welcome the resolution’s calls for Member States to increase their education budgets in order to guarantee that public higher education is free and accessible to all, with a view to fostering lifelong learning, and to provide concrete opportunities for access to and completion of higher education for students with disabilities and from disadvantaged backgrounds.However, there was an undue focus on competitiveness throughout the report, which contributes to an increasing effort to commodify education in the EU. For this reason, we voted against.

2016/11/22

. – This is a straightforward report to endorse the dates for the next European election, as informally proposed by the CoP in January and now officially proposed by the Council.The dates for the next election would ‘normally’ be set for the period Thursday, 6 June, until Sunday, 9 June 2019. However, the proposal is now to hold the election instead between 23 and 26 May 2019 (more or less as happened last time) in order to minimise clashes with national public holidays.This is well within the parameters foreseen by Article 11(2) of the Electoral Act, which stipulates that elections not be more than two months before or one month after the period normally applicable.This was an urgent procedure, as the new dates must be determined at least one year before the end of the term, giving Member States time to get their affairs in order.I therefore voted in favour of this report.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this recommendation as the Convention and its additional protocol make no reference to problems of socio-economic inclusion. The Convention is limited by the fact that it justifies further efforts to securitise the European Union, which is a singular and one-dimensional approach to combating terrorism. The texts make no allowance for progressive and sustainable methods to tackle poverty or address the lack of investment in education and social work.Furthermore, we have significant concerns over the Convention and additional protocol’s penalisation of travelling abroad ‘for the purposes of terrorism’. This approach makes a weak causal link between intent and actual behaviour that causes harm, it relies on the difficult-to-prove notion of ‘intent’ and it is unfit for purpose.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this provisional agreement. This is the conclusion of this revision of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive as part of the Circular Economy Package.The agreement from negotiations includes: modifying the targets for the recycling of all packaging waste (70% by 2030) and the material-specific targets; making extended producer responsibility schemes mandatory for all packaging by end-2024; requiring the Commission to consider, by end-2020, strengthening essential requirements for extended producer responsibility schemes and, by end-2024, setting quantitative targets on packaging reuse and reviewing targets for packaging waste recycling.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this provisional agreement from inter-institutional negotiations. This revision is part of the Circular Economy package and amends three directives.The main changes proposed are in relation to the establishment of a common methodology for collection and processing of statistical data as regards recycling and recovery targets contained in the three directives. The agreement highlights the need for a more circular economy and listing possible policy instruments to promote a transition; it requires the Commission to review the Directive on End-of-Life Vehicles by 2020.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this provisional agreement and on the related Commission statements.The agreed text introduces a target for recycling of municipal waste in 2025 and 2035 and the related calculation methods. It also clarifies the definition of waste and food waste. It has a section on marine litter, obliging Member States to identify key sources of marine litter and to reduce it – also allowing Member States to adopt national restrictions. It lays out minimum requirements for all extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes and endorses their use, and it requires financial contributions paid by producers to EPR schemes to be modulated on the basis of the costs of treating their products at the end of their life. It is intended to strengthen the implementation of the waste hierarchy, for instance, by broadening the scope of measures required from Member States on waste prevention, including on food waste, by introducing provisions to avoid the contamination of secondary raw materials, and by further specifying requirements related to waste prevention programmes.The Commission statement states it is committed to the full implementation of the Circular Economy action plan and lays out the policy framework.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this provisional agreement. The main elements of the agreement are: the postponement, until 2035, of the deadline for reaching the target to reduce the share of municipal waste landfilled to 10%, while further specifying the method used to calculate this share; and the requirement of the Commission to consider, by end-2024, setting a quantitative per capita target on landfilling.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour. This is a technical proposal on standardised reporting in the area of environment. As part of the Better Regulation agenda, the Commission’s proposal aims to completely remove the obsolete SRD (Standardised Reporting Directive)-based reporting obligations in order to ensure legal certainty and transparency and EU legislation that is fit for purpose. The original obligations from the SRD have no legal effect anymore. It was voted alongside the waste and circular economy files to ensure legal interlinks are solved in a consistent manner.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this Resolution, which criticises the shady procedures used by certain personalities in the European Commission to elevate Martin Selmayr to the position of Secretary-General. On 31 January, the post of Deputy Secretary-General of the European Commission was published. 10 days were given to apply for the post. Selmayr and one other applied, the other candidate pulled out prior to the interview stage. During the same meeting as the announcement of Selmayr’s appointment to Deputy Sec-Gen, the then Sec-Gen announced his retirement. Selmayr was then transferred to the position of Sec-Gen.Selmayr and Juncker had been aware of the Sec-Gen’s intention to retire at that meeting (he had informed them two years previously) but had told nobody. The appointment was not placed on the agenda of the meeting, and no Commissioners were informed in advance of the procedure.Sinn Féin has called on Selmayr to step down until such time as a review has been conducted. We have also called for public acknowledgement by the Commission that there has been a violation of Staff Regulations on multiple occasions along this process and for the suspension of a number of other appointments until there has been a resolution. The Commission needs to urgently restore trust in the institution.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this resolution as it includes the needs for a human rights and people-centred approach to migration and asylum. It demands that all migrants and refugees should be stakeholders in their own future, embedded within a wider call for the acknowledgement of the global responsibility that every nation has to people who are migrating. It also observes that children who are migrating or seeking asylum, are first and foremost children, who need to be protected from exploitation. Sinn Féin supports an end to the Fortress Europe approach, and agrees for all nations to take on their fair share of responsibility for facilitating migration and offering sanctuary to asylum seekers.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report.The report has a clear message that the EU should develop and promote a common foreign policy.Furthermore, the language intentionally blurs the lines between development goals and security goals.It criticises the independent nature of the various instruments.Whilst I welcomed the calls for greater accountability, transparency and public oversight, fundamentally the thrust of the report is to increase the powers of the Commission, at the expense of the Member States, with regards to foreign policy.The call for new funds in the next MFF was another cause for voting against this report.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report, which notes a sharp increase in the number of reasoned opinions being submitted by national Parliaments: an increase of 713% from 2015—2016. It makes a comment directed to the Commission in terms of the quality of IAs to rectify these problems. Despite noting this increase, however, the report makes no recommendations. In fact, in the explanatory statement, the Rapporteur states that she believes that there is ‘little to be gained from complicating the existing system’. While not saying we need more complications, I believe an increase of 713% warrants at least a few recommendations.I voted against because the entire tone of the report, I believe, seeks to dictate the manner in which national elected officials ought to engage with European Legislation. It is directive, rather than conciliatory, and implies somewhat that the increase of reasoned opinions is due to an un-European vision of national parliaments rather than regulatory over-reach by the European Commission or a lack of quality in pre-legislation procedures.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report. Due to the fact that material irregularities continue, I could not support this discharge.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of both the discharge and resolution.There were no irregularities which would justify a postponement.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on this report.I recognise the need for overseas territories to benefit from these funds.However, there remains a high level of error as in previous years. It is being gradually addressed and does not materially affect EDFs payment.For this reason I abstained.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of both the discharge and resolution.There are no irregularities that would justify a postponement.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of the resolution to support a postponement.Due to an ongoing lack of transparency in terms of financial management of the institutions we are not in a position to make an informed decision on granting discharge.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of both the discharge and resolution.There were no irregularities which would justify a postponement.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of both the discharge and resolution.There were no irregularities which would justify a postponementThe resolution takes special note of the continuing severe gender imbalance, the need for greater protection for whistle-blowers, and reiterates calls for greater democratic accountability in European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) negotiations and future investigations.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report granting discharge to the European Economic and Social Committee. There were no irregularities in the spending of EU funds by the agency noted in the report.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this discharge for the Committee of the Regions (CoR). The CoR is an advisory body composed of locally and regionally elected representatives from all 28 Member States of the EU. Through this body, local and regional representatives are afforded an important voice in order to share their opinions and concerns on EU legislation that directly impacts regions and cities.I also voted for several amendments highlighting an unresolved whistleblowing matter.There were no significant irregularities which would justify postponement, however, so I voted in favour of the discharge.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of both the discharge and resolution.The resolution highlighted the ‘revolving door’ nature prevalent in the European institutions.The report also expresses the need to establish an independent disclosure, advice body to further protect whistle-blowers.For these reasons I voted in favour of both.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of both the discharge and resolution.The Court of Auditors concluded that the payments as a whole for the year ended on 31 December 2016 for administrative and other expenditure of the European Data Protection Supervisor were free from material error and that the examined supervisory and control systems for administrative and other expenditure were effective. This represents significant improvement in the area of internal control from the previous year.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of the resolution.The resolution highlighted serious concerns regarding the agencies’ 2016 budget, which amounted to several billion euro.

2016/11/22

. – This agency is the body for European Regulation for Electronic Communications, which develops and disseminates best regulatory practices.I voted in favour of granting this discharge; there was no irregularities that would justify a postponement.

2016/11/22

. – The Translation Centre for the Bodies of the European Union was created as a response to the translation needs of a large number of European agencies and offices. I voted in favour of the discharge as there were no special irregularities which would justify a postponement.

2016/11/22

. – The European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training is an agency of the European Union. I voted in favour of the discharge as there were no special irregularities which would justify a postponement.

2016/11/22

. – The agency carries out regulatory and executive tasks in the field of civilian aviation safety.I voted in favour of the discharge; there was no irregularities that would justify a postponement.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of the resolution but against the decision as a whole, as there are questions yet to be answered as two of the five procurement procedures that were audited were irregular.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report granting discharge to the European Banking Authority. There were no irregularities in the spending of EU funds by the agency noted in the report.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of the discharge and the resolution.The ECDC works in partnership with national health protection bodies across Europe to strengthen and develop continent-wide disease surveillance and early warning systems.The resolution notes the resource constraints and this effect on the ECDC’s work programme. It finds that the transactions for financial year 2016 were all legal and regular in all material respects so there is no reason to justify a postponement.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of the discharge and the resolution. ECHA is the driving force among regulatory authorities in implementing the EU’s chemicals legislation. ECHA helps companies to comply with the legislation, advances the safe use of chemicals, provides information on chemicals and addresses chemicals of concern.There were no irregularities which would justify a postponement.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of the discharge and the resolution. Its main mission is to provide the EU with objective, reliable and comparable information on the basis of which to conduct environment policy, assess environmental impacts and inform the public about the state of the environment.There were no irregularities which would justify a postponement.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of the discharge as there were no irregularities.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of the discharge and the resolution. EFSA provides independent scientific advice and communicates on existing and emerging risks associated with the food chain.There were no irregularities which would justify a postponement this year.Last year I abstained on the discharge and voted in favour of the resolution, which was critical of EFSA regarding conflicts of interest and for not implementing decent measures on revolving-doors recruitment policies. It has since brought in new measures on conflicts of interest, transparency and democracy.

2016/11/22

. – The European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) established to contribute to and strengthen the promotion of gender equality, including gender mainstreaming in all EU policies and the resulting national policies, & the fight against discrimination based on sex, as well as to raise EU citizens’ awareness of gender equality.I voted in favour of the discharge; there was no irregularities to justify a postponement.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report granting discharge to the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority. There were no irregularities in the spending of EU funds by the agency noted in the report.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against the decision to discharge as I was not satisfied with granting the discharge due to outstanding issues related to the standing of accounts for 2012, 2014 and 2015. I therefore voted to postpone the discharge to the EIT.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against the discharge and in favour of the resolution.The reason for voting against the discharge this year is because some of the Court of Auditor’s comments from the 2014 discharge are still not marked as completed. This is particularly in relation to the evaluation of the weaknesses in management control and the dissemination of appropriate pharmacovigilance information to the Member States and to the general public. The rapporteur calls on the Agency to complete the corrective actions as soon as possible in 2018 and to report to the discharge authority on their implementation and so it is appropriate to postpone the discharge.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report. There were no outstanding irregularities and indeed there were very positive moves towards developing a strong whistle-blower policy, support for work life balances, protection against harassment and an anti-fraud policy. Sinn Féin demands an increase in transparency of all European institutions.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of the discharge as there were no irregularities.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of the resolution but against the decision as a whole. Although there are no irregularities in the report, there are questions regarding the agency’s commitment to promoting transparency, accountability and integrity especially in managing effectively its conflicts of interest and developing an adequate whistleblowing policy.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on this discharge. In a previous plenary in 2016 I voted against the establishment of this agency. The agency moves the railway sector towards a direction that I oppose. The setting up of the agency emphasised the creation of a single, liberalised railway sector, with the aim of encouraging competition and privatisation, while granting further authoritative powers solely to the European Railway Agency. I did not vote against, as the discharge itself is about the current functionality of the agency, including its accounts, which are in order. Although as I was opposed to the establishment of this agency from the outset, I abstained on granting the discharge.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report granting discharge to the European Securities and Markets Authority. There were no irregularities in the spending of EU funds by the agency noted in the report.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this discharge. The European Training Foundation is a European Union agency that helps transition and developing countries harness the potential of their human capital. The report notes that targets were met for all Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and there were no irregularities that could justify the postponement.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of the resolution but against the decision as a whole. There are still outstanding corrective measures in response to the courts comments regarding the agency in 2013, 2014, and 2015.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of the discharge as EU-OSHA does essential work in highlighting the working standards across the EU and provides MEPs important information. There was no irregularities which would justify postponement.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report granting discharge to the Euratom Supply Agency. There were no irregularities in the spending of EU funds by the agency noted in the report.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of the discharge due to the positive role which Eurofound has played in providing information to EMPL which facilitate better decision making from MEPs. There were no irregularities which would justify a postponement.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour as there were no irregularities with the Eurojust discharge.The budget was higher than usual this year, but this was because Eurojust moved to a new building close to the ICC in The Hague. This was also the reason for a few carry overs beyond year-end.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report. Although the representation of women throughout the agency is poor, the Resolution is committed to adopting a sustainable and ongoing process to remedy the lack of representation of women in the European Police office. Sinn Féin is committed to increasing women’s participation at all levels of the workplace, and in all industries.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report as there are no points to justify a postponement in its funding. There are concerns over the representation of women in the agency amongst the senior management of the agency, however at other levels of the agency there is close to a 50/50 balance between women and men. Sinn Féin is committed to ensuring and increase in women’s participation at all levels of the workplace, and in all industries.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report as Sinn Féin fundamentally disagrees with the methodology and use of funds in Frontex, especially in their response to the refugee crises in the Mediterranean. The report also noted an irregularity of payments for the period of January to October 2016. The European Union should not have any border force that is intent on turning Europe into a fortress.

2016/11/22

. – The European Global Navigation Satellite System Agency focuses on space technology. The agency has had a range of instances such as not replying to a questionnaire sent by MEPs during the 2015 discharge process, and ongoing issues through the Court of Auditors regarding insurance coverage, the validation of the accounting system, the business continuity plan and high turnover of staff. One of the tenderers of a framework contract has launched legal proceedings against the agency at the European Court of Justice. The agency also has not established a whistleblowing policy.I voting against granting the discharge but in favour of the resolution which was critical and took into account all the elements of concern with the agency.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of the discharge and the resolution. Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBI JU) is a public-private partnership aiming at increasing investment in the development of a sustainable bio-based industry sector in Europe. The BBI JU’s mission is to implement, under Horizon 2020 rules, the Strategic Innovation and Research Agenda (SIRA) developed by the industry and validated by the European Commission.There were no irregularities which would justify a postponement.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of the discharge and the resolution.Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking (CSJU) is a successful public-private partnership between the European Commission and the European aeronautics industry that is on the way to achieving its environmental performance targets.There were no special irregularities which would justify a postponement.

2016/11/22

. – The public-private partnership for Electronic Components and Systems for European leadership carries out research on electronic components and technologies. The agency’s aim is to increase the EU’s competition in the global industry of electronic components and systems. The agency aims to align strategies with Member States to attract private investment.Furthermore, in 2012 the JU was informed of the insolvency of two of its beneficiaries but did not attempt to recover the payments until four years later in 2016, resulting in 230k funding, and EU taxpayers money being lost. Notes also that in 2016 the JU did not correctly apply procedures regarding internal registering of declarations of conflict of interest, despite having guidelines adopted.I voted against granting the discharge.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of the discharge.There were no irregularities which would justify a postponement.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of the discharge and the resolution. The IMI 2 JU supports collaborative research to improve the entire development process and make it more efficient, giving patients faster access to better and safer medicines.There were no special irregularities which would justify a postponement.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against the discharge and the resolution.I oppose the call for an immense increase in the next MFF.

2016/11/22

. – The Single European Sky Air Traffic Management Research (SESAR) programme aims to modernise air traffic management, with a focus on developing safe and environment-friendly air transport. The accounts are in order, and statements issued have clarified their reliability and legality.I voted in favour of granting the discharge and the resolution.

2016/11/22

. – The Shift2Rail Joint Undertaking aims to achieve a Single European Railway Area (SERA); to enhance competitiveness of the European railway system and to sustain the leadership of the European rail industry on the global market.During the procedure for the procurement of services the JU set an unwisely maximum contract budget which was not based on a cost estimation process therefore calling into question the cost-effectiveness of their service contracts. Furthermore, the JU ignored checks by the Research Executive Agency which noted the weak financial viability of some of their beneficiaries.I voted against granting the discharge.

2016/11/22

. – The Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) is a Horizon 2020 project, to use research to tackle the issues of water management and food production in the Mediterranean area. The members of PRIMA consists of EU Member States mostly from the Mediterranean area, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Slovenia, and Spain but also non-EU Mediterranean countries, Israel, Tunisia, Turkey, Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Morocco. Project funding includes contribution by member countries of PRIMA, along with EU contribution under Horizon 2020. The report affirms the region’s right to safe and clean drinking water. The initiative hopes to bring new ideas to and create sustainable agriculture production, with a commitment to social and environment friendly implementation.While we support this project, we strongly oppose Israel’s involvement in it – or in any other Horizon 2020 funded schemes – due to its appalling human rights abuses and occupation of Palestine. Israel’s ongoing theft of Palestinian water, and denial of safe drinking water to the citizens of Gaza, makes its involvement particularly outrageous.However, this vote concludes the Commission’s agreement with Lebanon on its PRIMA participation. Therefore, I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – On the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for by the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Mauritius, we abstainedThe new Protocol shall provide a total financial contribution of EUR 2 300 000 for the entire period (2017-2021)Whilst we support funding being used to promote sectorial development in third countries, Mauritian fishermen have however consistently said in the past number of years that their catch has declined drastically and blame overfishing by European vessels, they have also claimed before no local fishermen received any form of financial help in the small-scale industry in relation to EU FPAs. FPAs with developing nations are often exploitative to the advantage of the EU and difficult to support.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report which comes following a review of the agricultural products subject to tariffs and TRQs between the EU and Norway. This review happens regularly, every two years, and is due to an exemption to normal free movement of goods principle in operation between these two partners under the EEA Agreement.For this round, changes have been made to a total of 36 products. The main changes are an increase in the TRQs for beef, poultry, cheese, flowers, lettuce and corn entering Norway. Duty free access has also been agreed for a list of berries, cider, seaweed, quinoa, live horses and livers.On the EU side, there have been increases in poultry, flowers and sheep/goat meat TRQs.Since Norway (as a member of the EEA) is subject to the same food safety, SPS and other such food production restrictions as EU producers and farmers, we have in the past supported adjustments such as this. The TRQ modifications are modest, however for every zero rate TRQ added from the Norwegian side, this saves exporters a hefty tariff which went up by 429% in 2012.For these reasons, we voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of the report because of the need for a European Protein Plan. The report wants to rectify the situation where the EU is importing huge amounts of protein for animal feed from Latin America. This is adding to mass deforestation, ecological problems and a huge loss of biodiversity. The report is also in favour of increasing EU soya and biofuel production. Both would reduce our dependence on external imports. Sinn Fein believes the EU should be self-sufficient using sustainable practices. The report supports a move away from input intensive monocultures and a move towards agro-ecological systems including local and GMO-free production. In terms of the CAP, the report suggests pillar II can be used to support cultivation through a voluntary coupled payment, and greenings measures to deliver on biodiversity.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of the provisional agreement. It relates to a legislative proposal for a regulation to include LULUCF GHG emissions into the 2030 climate and energy framework (2021-2030), as this sector was previously excluded from EU climate action. It introduces binding commitments to reduce GHG emissions in forestry and land-use for all Member States.The main issue in the trilogues was the introduction of a flexibility on the accounting of managed forests for Member States where these represent an important carbon sink. However, this ‘managed forest land’ flexibility mechanism can only be activated if the EU collectively meets the ‘no-debit’ rule, so that the integrity 30% emission reduction target for the non-ETS sector is maintained. I welcome that the Parliament also gained the use of delegated acts for determining the forests reference levels and obtained the inclusion of wetlands. The inclusion of wetlands starts on a voluntary basis and becomes mandatory for 2026-2030 period. There were also some areas for unclear derogations which have been closed in trilogues and so I am satisfied on the final outcome of negotiations.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this agreement, which is the result of inter-institutional negotiations. As part of the Low Carbon Economy Package, this proposal would put in place a binding Regulation, known as the ESR (Effort Sharing Regulation), with targets for each Member State to reduce GHG emission in the non-ETS sector. This would implement EU commitments under the Paris agreement. Ireland would be given a 30% GHG reduction target by 2030 compared to 2005 levels.While we agree with the objectives, there are some issues that are not satisfactory, especially in that it lacks ambition. Firstly, it is unacceptable that the GHG reduction trajectory will only commence from August 2019. Furthermore, the recitals quote the Market Stability Reserve. We voted against the agreement in order to be able to amend it and ensure a more robust Regulation that produces the desired outcome of reduced GHG emissions from the non-ETS sector.

2016/11/22

. – This report is a first reading with a provisional agreement on draft legislation that will grant EU funding to registered European political parties and foundations. Sinn Féin is opposed to this idea, and we therefore voted against the report.The provisional agreement as tabled will give the lion’s share of funding to the larger European political parties (such as the S&Ds and the EPP) and their foundations and think tanks, at the expense of smaller European political parties. A number of amendments were tabled to try mitigate this, and to make the text slightly less unfair. We would have supported some of these changes, but they were not put to the vote.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained on this provisional agreement, which is the result of interinstitutional negotiations.As part of the clean energy package, in November 2016 the EC presented a proposal for a revision of the EPBD (Energy Performance of Buildings Directive), which sets out EU targets for energy efficiency. The Commission proposal was a moderate review of the directive and was met with a more ambitious report from Parliament.The elements that were debated in the negotiations related to renovation strategy and financing, electro-mobility, smartness indicators, and inspections. We were disappointed that energy poverty elements were watered down in the agreement, lacking any concrete measures, and that the Council is of the opinion that addressing energy poverty is a matter strictly for social policy. Sinn Fein believes that addressing energy poverty must be central to, and integrated into, all energy policy. Despite this lack of focus, we do welcome the positive steps taken, such as electro-mobility requirements.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report. The seventh environment action programme (EAP) was adopted in 2013 for seven years and lays out priority objectives to guide EU environmental policy until 2020. The ENVI Committee decided to draw up an implementation report to evaluate progress and make recommendations for the eighth EAP. The report is critical of the implementation of the seventh EAP and points to shortcomings, particularly in relation to how objectives are projected to be missed.Some merits lie in its call on the Union and Member States to abandon environmentally harmful subsidies, its emphasis on the need to improve research in certain areas in particular, and its call on Member States to redouble efforts to implement air quality legislation.

2016/11/22

. – The report highlights the need for women’s participation and access in the media and the need for a balanced and non-stereotypical portrayal of women on screen. The report highlights that while 68% of media graduates are women, only 40% are employed in the sector.The report calls for equal representation of women in decision-making in the media, including using gender quotas to incentivise this. The report recommends guidelines on gender equality in order to promote a positive portrayal of women in advertising, news, reporting, production and broadcasting. The report addresses the growing levels of harassment faced by women in the media – with over half having experienced sexual abuse.We voted in favour of the report.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report, which focuses on empowering women and girls to take an active role in the ICT sector.The resolution highlights the gender gap in ICT and STEM fields and the need to rectify this by focusing on female entrepreneurs and start-ups. The resolution calls for early education in ICT and promotion of STEM subjects aimed at girls. It highlights the role that the internet can play in campaigns and in boosting the visibility of female role models, and the need to support women’s networks online. The resolution calls for lifelong learning training and schemes, to allow older women to access the benefits from digitalisation and e-skills. The resolution addresses the fact that women are often victims of harassment online, with death threats to women online increasing, and invites Member States to review their criminal law to ensure that new forms of digital violence are defined and acknowledged.

2016/11/22

. – The report carried out a review of the EU’s external financing instruments relating to external aid and development funds. The report makes a number of suggestions regarding the new MFF and the direction of these three bodies.There are a lot of positive recommendations in this report which Sinn Féin would support. The report stresses that development aid should be used in accordance with its original purpose, with due regard to aid/development effectiveness principles. It also stresses that the EU’s development policy should remain independent of the EU’s short—term internal interests, guaranteeing that the EU fulfils its development pledges, in particular that development funds should not be used by the EU as a means to stop migration flows or as a security mechanism for the EU.The report also calls for the integration of climate policy in relation to recent climate change accords, such as the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, into development policy. Finally, the report warns against over-reliance on trust funds to implement development policy, which would mark an improvement in the efficiency of the Union’s actions.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report, which aims to reduce the level of indebtedness among developing countries.High levels of debt have a negative effect on human development and reduce governments’ abilities to reduce poverty levels. The measures called for in this report, such as debt restructuring, measures to tackle tax avoidance and the prioritisation of development, will help ensure that countries avoid unsustainable debt and that global poverty can be more effectively addressed.

2016/11/22

. – This report focuses on a number of key points in the 7th Cohesion Report of October 2017, which provides an impact assessment of the evolution of cohesion policy in light of national policies and other EU policies.These points cover the current state of economic development, social inclusion, sustainable development, improving institutions, national policies and cohesion, and the impact of cohesion policy.The 7th Cohesion Report shows that regional disparities are narrowing again, but unevenly, while unemployment rates have not reverted to pre-crisis levels. It also emphasises the need for tailored approaches to the various regions and territories, identifies pockets of poverty, the risk of territorial fragmentation and the widening of intraregional disparities, and highlights the generalised impact of globalisation, migration, climate change, energy transition and pollution.A number of progressive amendments were included in the text, including reinforcing the importance of cohesion policy, social and economic development to social peace and sustainability. I therefore voted in favour of the report.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on this as the European Union has long abused its influence and power when it comes to fisheries, particularly on behalf of larger Member States to the detriment of countries like Ireland. The same applies to fishing partnership agreements with developing countries and smaller third countries, particularly those that have suffered the abuses of colonial and neo-colonial exploitation. UN bodies have criticised the EU’s powerful position when it comes to drawing up agreements and setting the price of fish (paying below the estimated wholesale price for tuna), and point out that fisheries partnership agreements have failed to support the development of local fishing industries. At times the EU uses these agreements as a method of attaching conditions for developing aid in exchange for access to fish stocks, stocks which more often than not, have a much higher financial value than what is offered in exchange for this access.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour in order to increase the employment options for workers across the EU. The streamlining of the qualifications system will benefit workers and employers and offers more chances of employment to workers in disadvantaged areas.The protection provided for in this report against data harvesting was essential for us to be able to support the report.

2016/11/22

. – Founded in 1976, the Youth Orchestra was funded for 38 years as a European Union cultural ambassador. The orchestra is composed of young musicians from all over Europe and its role is to promote intercultural dialogue and mutual respect and understanding through culture.The Creative Europe programme and its previous funding programmes have supported the orchestra in various ways. Without sustained EU-wide support, the orchestra could not continue its activities.However, in 2014 EU backing was withdrawn from the orchestra due to a change in funding policy. Only those projects falling under the umbrella of the new Creative Europe programme would receive support. The orchestra duly applied for funding from Creative Europe and received some support during 2014 and 2015. However, in April 2016 that funding ceased.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report because it sought to safeguard the funding for the orchestra in order to ensure that young artists can continue to use it as a platform to display and develop their skills.We voted in favour. The European Medicines Agency has to be relocated from London due to Brexit. Amsterdam was selected as the new seat after a coin toss with Milan in November 2017, with much discontent about the procedure. The EMA founding regulation has had to be amended in order to allow this move. This amendment would enable the agreement on the location to be concluded and allow for possible pre-financing of the costs associated with the move before the financial settlement with the London Government. It can only be said that the selection procedure was not good enough, relegating the European Parliament to a rubber-stamping role only. One of the amendments that we particularly support is a joint statement in which the European Parliament deplores the fact that its role as co-legislator has not been duly taken into account, as it was not involved in the procedure for selecting the new seat. The statement calls for the selection procedure to be revised and not used as a precedent.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this report. The proposal requires the transfer of further economic and tax powers from Member States to the Commission and calls for the principle of unanimity on tax issues to be ended at the Council, a major infringement on the tax sovereignty of Member States. The Commission promises that this transfer of powers is an exchange for the reduction of corporate tax avoidance, but flaws in the detail of the proposal mean this is unlikely to be achieved. Profit-shifting outside of the EU is not addressed at all by this proposal and will actually increase the incentive for multinationals to shift profits outside the EU.

2016/11/22

. – This report marks the start of the annual EU Budget procedure in the European Parliament and sets out the budgetary priorities for 2019.These priorities include within this text safeguarding the Good Friday Agreement, the Peace Process, and the funding for all of Ireland as referred to in paragraph 27, which we wholeheartedly support, as the work Sinn Féin and its MEPs has constantly demonstrated. Examples such as the recent EP Resolution on Brexit, our multi-partisan work with other political groups and parties, engagement with NGOs and civil society, and also European, domestic and international institutions and diplomatic corps.However, this report welcomed a renewed EU defence agenda, which seeks to enhance hard power, launch a European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP) as a first stage of the European Defence, the justification being the security concerns of citizens. This flies in the face and is a direct violation of Ireland’s constitutionally enshrined neutrality. Any positive elements within this report were significantly diminished by this promotion of what is essentially the erosion of Ireland’s right to unilaterally dictate and set its own sovereign foreign and defence policy, and the development of a corporate-dominated pan-European military industrial complex which will also be dominated by the larger Member States with significant arms manufacturing industries.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained on this report as it omitted several vital points on the ongoing war in Syria. It makes no mention of the role of Western imperialist interventions in fuelling the conflict. While the various rebel groups and ISIS, the Syrian Government, Turkey and Russia are all rightfully criticised for the crimes committed in Syria during the conflict, the report fails to mention that the rebel groups and ISIS are using European- and American—made weapons to spread death and destruction.The report also makes no mention of the impact of Europe’s militarised response to the refugee crisis, which has made it more dangerous for people fleeing from violence. Instead, it puts the burden of responsibility for refugees on the countries bordering Syria, including Turkey, which is actively waging a military campaign against Kurdish groups.The report also makes no mention of Israel’s illegal occupation of the Golan Heights, an ongoing violation of international law.

2016/11/22

. – Sinn Féin voted in favour of the resolution. This resolution is in response to the decision by the Trump administration to impose a tariff on Spanish olives. The US administration has sided with the ‘Coalition for Fair Trade in Ripe Olives’ in the belief that CAP-subsidised Spanish olives injure or threaten the US industry. The US International Trade Commission has determined that this accusation is correct and Spanish olives are being sold at less than fair value (LTFV).Sinn Féin believes this is concerning because this case could create a precedent for other European agricultural products. We believe this is especially true because the CAP measures were not product specific and therefore not countervailing any WTO agreements.Although we respect a country’s right to defend its national produce, we reject the suggestion that CAP is a subsidy designed merely to undercut US farmers, or that a trade war is a good outcome for the EU or the US.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of the resolution due to the importance it places on protecting the rights of people in the North of Ireland, and preventing any hardening of the border in Ireland. This is all the more important, given the attempts by the British government to go back on what they agreed in the Joint Report on 8 December 2017. While not perfect, the backstop provision on Ireland, contained in the draft Withdrawal Treaty, goes a long way towards achieving the desired outcomes. There are also many other positive aspects to the resolution, for example concerning citizens’ rights and a willingness to leave open the option of a close relationship post-Brexit if the British so desire. However, I am concerned with several aspects of the resolution, which does not question the current trajectory of the EU in economics, trade, civil liberties and other areas. I am particularly opposed to the growing EU role in defence and security issues. These concerns are outlined in the GUE/NGL statement attached to the resolution. I also voted to delete some of the most problematic parts of the resolution.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this recast on rail transport statistics. The regulation establishes common rules for the production of rail statistics at EU level. The aim is to correct technical mistakes found in the final version of the Regulation. As file is technical with no major political implications, I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report. This is a technical adjustment relating to the Directive which lays down measures to be applied in the event of an outbreak of Newcastle disease, which affects poultry. The current European Reference Laboratory (EURL) for Newcastle Disease is in the UK and so the Directive has to be amended to allow it to be moved post-Brexit. The current procedure for designating an EURL for Newcastle disease is by way of Council Directive. This technical revision of the Directive will allow for an implementing procedure to designate a new EURL.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this objection. Projects of common interest (PCIs) are key infrastructure projects – especially cross-border projects – that link the energy systems of EU countries. They are intended to help the EU achieve its energy policy and climate objectives. Every two years, the European Commission draws up a new list of PCIs, the third list coming out in December 2017. I am objecting to this list on environmental grounds, given that there are many oil and gas projects on the list. Long-term investment in fossil fuel infrastructure is clearly counterintuitive if we are aiming to reach our Paris Agreement targets. The objection calls for a new list to be drafted that would be consistent with climate goals and calls for more transparency and consistency in PCI lists.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this file in order to grant the release of EGF funds to help reintegrate laid off workers at the Goodyear tire factory in Germany. The workers have suffered directly from changing world trade patterns and the outsourcing of production to areas where cheaper labour is available. The scheme will allow them to enter into a transfer company which will facilitate their reintegration into employment.

2016/11/22

. – This report aimed to encourage the Commission to deliver a proposal for the 2020-2027 period; underlining its full-fledged support to ensuring ‘sufficient resources’ for the traditional key EU policies and the so-called ‘new challenges’ (security, defence and migration).However, whilst it referenced, it nonetheless inadequately addressed the global social, economic and financial crisis, the sovereign debt crisis, the emergence of other shocks (humanitarian crisis, etc.) and the factors responsible for same.I acknowledge the ‘Brexit Gap’, which is an estimated annual cut of around EUR 12 billion following the UK’s Brexit referendum and loss of revenue it shall entail. However, proposals for additional revenue to EU finances are strictly and should solely remain in the hands of sovereign states and their national parliaments.There are some positive elements within the report such as references to the importance of cultural, educational, youth and sports programmes, frameworks to combat unfair trading practices, supporting fisheries and remote regions, etc. However, I voted against the report due to suggested moves and proposals that would lead to the erosion of Irish neutrality within the text, whether its an endorsement of PESCO and/or any expansion and development of a European defence policy and military industrial complex.

2016/11/22

. – This report heavily advocates the review of current own resources and the introduction of new own resources.The content essentially calls for action from the European Parliament to Member States and to the Council to come up with an agreement on how to review or at least reform the EU revenue system under the pretext of Brexit and the anticipated budget shortfall as a result of the reduction of UK contributions. Nevertheless, any introduction of new own resources which the file supports requires unanimity in the Council, or a qualified majority in some cases. In the end, it is the decision of to the governments and the Member States’ national parliaments and should remain so. For this reason, I voted against the report.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this file as, although the report did a good job in highlighting some of the social and economic problems in the EU, it was very weak on actual solutions. The report placed too much emphasis on labour market reforms and the promotion of a more flexible labour market, which can lead to precarious forms of employment if not properly regulated. For this reason, I voted against.

2016/11/22

. – The projects covered by this protocol supported production, utilisation and conversion of resources, safety at work, environmental protection and the reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from coal use and steel production, recycling carbon monoxide, carbon capture and hence cleaner emissions. The measures will have no budgetary impact, as the fund is not financed from the EU budget.However, there was a lack of emphasis on the decarbonisation of industries and on research programmes for replacing fossil fuels and heavy materials with sustainable alternatives, on the role of the circular economy and on enhancing the recycling process, especially in industrial manufacturing and production. Our Group tabled an amendment to address these shortcomings but it was not accepted. For this reason we abstained in the vote on the report.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on this vote. The vote is in relation to EU and NZ cooperation and mutual administrative assistance in customs matters. As the subject matter is trade, all that is required is the European Parliament’s consent. The Treaty itself, which was concluded last July, sets up a framework for structured cooperation in customs matters. It aims to facilitate administrative assistance against fraud in customs matters and establishes a legal basis for securing the supply chain. It will not actually change many practices, but it just ensures that if one party asks for certain information or documentation, the other party must provide it and sets up other notification procedures.I do not see this treaty as separate from the upcoming FTA discussions with NZ. This agreement is clearly a precursor for the upcoming FTA negotiations and although it does standalone in legal terms, it is difficult to see this as anything more than a soft landing for a far-reaching FTA. The file has been the subject of little to no debate in the INTA Committee, and no amendments have been tabled at either level.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report, which aims to promote C-ITS systems in cars. The report asks for the mandatory installation of C-ITS in all vehicles by 2019. The report also calls to bind Member States to legislative minimum rules to enforce integrated use of C-ITS. This will have negative implications for data protection, as it does not allow vehicles users the option of opposing C-ITS in their car, with the possible commercialisation of data for advertisement uses. This mandatory enforcement would also have an undue impact on the car industry and older vehicles.The report calls for transport to be streamlined across the EU, which does not address the differing circumstances in each Member State. The report also calls for global standardisation of data and technical harmonisation, which Sinn Féin strongly opposes.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report, which is an adjustment from the previous Postal Directive to include the role of e-commerce and increased options for cross-border parcel delivery.The report addresses potential liability when using cross-border services and lack of clarity of rights when parcels get lost or damaged. The report addresses the need to maintain standards and calls for clear and coherent price information. It safeguards small parcel delivery service operators who are operating on either a national or regional basis. The reports calls for transparency on tariffs between Member States which will be displayed on a Commission website that is neutral and non—commercial in its approach.As the report aims for increased clarity for consumers, I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report. The Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) is an EU—wide certificate for professional drivers of trucks and buses, as introduced in 2003. The adjustments aim to improve recognition of periodical training undertaken by drivers. The report modernises periodic training allowing flexibility for it to be taught by e-classes or partaking part of the course with experienced drivers in the workplace. The report includes need for drivers to be taught training for differing weather conditions, danger of smartphones while driving, and stress.As these adjustments will help professional drivers, we voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this report which aims to set up a 500 million euro fund for military research. This fund will be used to further militarise the EU and create a military industrial complex taking funding from other areas of the EU budget.This will create a slush fund for the defence industry who will use public grants to pay for private research. This mean that European tax payers will pay private companies rather than taxes being invested in vital services.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report based on its progressiveness. It calls for the absolute exclusion of public services and future services of general interest from trade negotiations, listing but not limited to water, sanitation, healthcare, social services and education. There are political statements that privatisation of such services increase inequality for women and that IPR provisions and public procurement in trade agreements also have massive implications for women. It calls for the inclusion of women in negotiating teams, to combat exploitation of women through supply chain agreements, increased on focus of women in informal sectors and warns that trade liberalisation will negatively affect women in farming.It also stresses that there are limits to the extent that global issues can be solved through global trade, including economic growth and job creation. It recalls that Member States should be able to regulate and reverse liberalisation of services in the public interest and calls for the inclusion of civil society groups working on women’s rights in trade negotiations.We were was concerned about one paragraph, which contains a reference to the importance of PPPs in achieving gender equality. However, this reference alone is not enough to merit a withdrawing of support.

2016/11/22

. – Lagging regions are divided into either low—growth regions (less—developed or transition regions, with a persistent lack of growth) and low—income regions, which remain far below the EU average GDP per capital.There are 47 such regions in 8 Member States – with 83 million inhabitants – and they have been at the top of the cohesion policy agenda. They are sorely lacking in investment, human capital, innovation, quality institutions, accessibility, and tools available within EU cohesion policy.The report itself contains many positive points:• an improved definition of regional categories, including social indicators in addition to economic conditions (particularly important for regions with high unemployment);• reference to employment incentives for young high skilled workers; and• it promotes training and education for refugees and migrants under international protection with a view to integrate the labour market.However, there are a number of references throughout the text to austerity mechanisms, and a suggestion that social development criteria not be included alongside economic progress criteria.Several GUE—NGL amendments have been adopted into the text, and the report tends generally in a progressive direction, though right wing groups watered down much of the text.We therefore abstained on this report.

2016/11/22

. – The EU is responsible for around 10% of global emissions, and EU cities generate 75% of this figure.Urban areas account for 60 to 80% of global energy consumption and around the same share of CO2 emissions.This report looks at how regions and cities can play a role in achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement (COP21).It has many good points, highlighting the impact of climate change on social disparity and calling for a greater prioritisation of climate change in EU cohesion policies.It also calls for local authorities, regions, cities and towns, to be more empowered and better supported in preparing, designing and implementing local development schemes for mitigation and adaptation to the effects of climate change.The report stresses that local and regional authorities should be formally recognised as part of the official discussion on climate change and calls for better access to funding for smaller cities and regions, and for priority funding for carbon-dependent regions and prioritising employment transitions for workers in carbon-intensive industries;We therefore voted in favour of this report.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on this report. It was a technical proposal to agree to an extension of the period for transposition measures on the Insurance Distribution Directive. I abstained because I would like to see the IDD implemented as quickly as possible.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report, which is part of a consent procedure. While we don’t support several aspects of the bilateral agreement between the US the EU on insurance, we are in favour of ensuring a high quality of supervision on insurance products that are the subject of the agreement. This proposal imposes standards of prudential supervision in the EU and US of insurance products so we voted to support it.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of the proposal to establish the TAX3 special committee into financial crimes, tax avoidance and tax evasion, which our colleague Matt Carthy negotiated on behalf of the GUE/NGL group. This is an important proposal to establish a new committee to continue the work of the TAXE, TAX2 and PANA committees which examined the content of the LuxLeaks and Panama Papers revelations. This special committee will not only continue the work started by these committees but will also examine the new revelations found in the Paradise Papers leak of data from law firm Appleby. The special committee will make proposals at the end of its 12-month mandate to close existing loopholes that allow tax avoidance, tax evasion and money laundering to occur in the EU, and on boosting international tax cooperation.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report. This file is in relation to the labelling of spirit drinks and aligning the regulation with the Lisbon Treaty, mainly by dividing into implementing and delegated acts. The Commission holds that opening this regulation is just a matter of alignment and is only of a technical nature, but it does alter some existing procedures, such as on geographical indications. We voted against the provisions that would allow alcohol made from non-agricultural produce, namely beer alcohol, as this would undermine the quality of the spirit drinks sector in the EU. Given that spirit drinks are unjustifiably exempt from the Food Information for Consumer Regulation, I tabled two plenary amendments to call for the energy content per 100 ml to be included on the labelling as well as any other voluntary nutritional information.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report. The proposal relates to the regulation of enablers and promoters of tax avoidance and tax evasion schemes (such as lawyers, tax advisors, banks etc.). One of the main problems uncovered in the Panama Papers revelations was the role of these enablers in facilitating tax avoidance, tax evasion and money-laundering. This proposal is for mandatory disclosure by these obliged entities to the national authorities of cross-border potentially abusive schemes, and then the mandatory exchange of this information with the relevant member state(s) and the Commission. It is an important measure to combat tax-dodging.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this objection. These two objections passed through committee this month and are now being voted in plenary, relating to a type of genetically modified maize. This is our twenty-second objection to the Commission’s authorisation procedure on GMOs since December 2016. The grounds are that it exceeds the implementing powers provided in the basic act, is contrary to the precautionary principle and the authorisation procedure is flawed.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this request for EGF funding submitted by the Spanish state for redundancies in the domestic textile sector. Although there were less than 500 redundancies, the industrial base and GDP per capita were also taken into account as the sector affected was a critical part of Galicia’s economy. Many of the enterprises have moved to Asia due to structural changes taking place in the global economy as a result of the increased competition of industry in the ‘Tiger economies’, where corporate interests profit more due to loose regulations and protections for workers.

2016/11/22

. – The application from the Swedish state concerns a total of 2 388 redundancies in Ericsson in 4 different regions within Sweden, including Stockholm. This is already the second Swedish application for redundancies in Ericsson, with the same areas again concerned. In 2016 the company laid off 1 556 workers. Ericsson has developed most of its facilities in the Tiger economies of Asia, a common occurrence now with corporate interests seeking to maximise profits by the reduced labour costs and protections in said economies. This is reflected by the fact Ericsson has doubled its recruitment worldwide whilst cutting staff in Sweden for the 55-64 age bracket there. Long-term unemployment above 12 months is at a staggering 39% of total unemployment. This group constitutes more than 30% of the 900 targeted dismissed workers here.

2016/11/22

. – This resolution welcomes the European Commission’s decision on 20 December 2017 to activate Article 7(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union as regards the situation in Poland, and supports the Commission’s call on the Polish authorities to address the problems outlined.It also calls on the Council to take action in accordance with the provisions set out in Article 7(1) TEU, and for both the Commission and Council to keep the Parliament informed at every step of the process.In recent years, the governing Law and Justice (PiS) party has overseen worsening fundamental rights abuses, including attacks on migrants, women’s rights, freedom of expression and assembly, and judicial independence.While I have serious reservations about the use of Article 7(1), I voted in favour of the resolution, as there is currently no international actor that can put as much pressure on the Polish government as the EU to end these abuses.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on the Annual Report on the Situation of Fundamental Rights. Whilst there was a number of commendable amendments that aimed to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of refugees, the LGBTQI+ community and other minority groups, there were also amendments that would see these reversed, and in some cases, reduced.The report fails to reference the negative impact on fundamental rights that EU policy can have. The stigmatising language of some amendments would infer the isolation of Muslims, accept the denial of rights for Trans+ people who are facing violence, and would enable Member States to deny their obligation to offer sanctuary to refugees fleeing violence. Furthermore the report as a whole fails to acknowledge the impact of austerity on fundamental rights.Sinn Féin believes in equality. We should not prioritise the rights of any religious group over another, and we should not stand idly by and allow the Far Right of Europe to distort fundamental rights throughout Europe. Sinn Féin believes that fundamental rights cannot favour majorities and we are committed to ensure equal treatment, equal opportunities and the non-discrimination of all minority groups in Ireland.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report which is aimed at tackling protecting bees and the apiculture sector in general. The report recognises the valuable role played by beekeeping as an economic and social activity in the EU, especially in the agricultural sector. It calls for this contribution to be recognised by greater financial support. It rightly notes the risks that decreasing EU bee populations could have, and calls for monitoring and research to combat this growing issue. It also aims to tackle adulterated honey, which is causing considerable damage to European beekeepers, and exposes consumers to serious health risks. The report also asks the Commission to suspend the authorisation of those pesticide active substances which endanger bee health. We believe the report’s adoption is an important step in ensuring these issues are addressed at EU level.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this report as large sections of its analysis and proposals are seriously flawed. We voted in favour of proposals calling for progress on implementing the European Deposit Insurance Scheme, which would protect consumers and reduce capital flight from the peripheral countries to the core in times of crisis. However, there have been serious problems in the implementation of the first two pillars of the Banking Union (common supervision and the Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive) which have not been adequately acknowledged in this report. These problems include supervisory bias and the facilitation of taxpayer-funded bailouts to proceed through a loophole in the BRRD, which promised to ensure bailouts were a thing of the past. The report argues for deepening the Banking Union without recognising these problems, nor acknowledging that it has led to the increased concentration of the banking sector in the euro area instead of resolving the too-big-to-fail problem. For these reasons we voted against.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained on this report as it calls for the EU to increase its role in foreign policy through creating new EU anti-terrorist positions and failed to mention the role of both Saudi Arabia in promoting extremist Wahhabism and of European companies paying jihadist groups for access to resources. It is not possible to tackle the sources of terrorist financing without addressing these major issues.The limited scope of this report means that major sources of terrorist financing are not included. The report calls on Member States to give the EU a greater foreign policy role and further undermine Member State sovereignty.It is hypocritical for the EU to claim to tackle terrorism while ignoring the role of European companies and European allies in supporting violent extremism.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report which sets out the European Parliament’s priorities prior to the UN’s Commission on the Status of Women, the 62nd session of which focuses on empowering rural women.The report calls to ensure that rural women can access credit and productive resources and to ensure women’s ownership rights with regard to land inheritance and farm holdings.The report highlights that women in rural communities require accessible public services and infrastructure and addresses the intersectional discrimination faced by rural women. It further calls for guarantees for the rights of women hired as seasonal agriculture workers, particularly migrants.We voted in favour of the report. Sinn Féin supports women living in rural communities and recognises the challenges they face.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour on this vote as to whether or not to enter into interinstitutional negotiations according to rule 69c. The regulation establishes a mandatory monitoring and reporting system for all EU countries for heavy—duty vehicles and applies to new vehicles registered in the EU. The aim of this system is to ensure the accuracy of CO2 emissions reporting and monitoring and provide the basis for setting and enforcing standards on carbon emissions in the future.Anything but mandatory monitoring and verified reporting is lining us up for another Dieselgate. The final step in this process will be for the Commission to set ambitious CO2 emission targets for heavy—duty vehicles in the first quarter of 2018 for adoption before the end of the current electoral term. We will have to have a decent means of monitoring emissions from heavy—duty vehicles in order to set CO2 targets that will make a difference. For this reason, we voted to confirm the mandate to start negotiations as there is no good reason to delay and possibly weaken the report.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of upholding the mandate for establishing a centralised system for the identification of Member States holding conviction information on third country nationals and stateless persons (TCN) to supplement and support the European Criminal Records Information System. There have been some progressive amendments included in the file and it should now progress to the next stage of negotiations.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this file as development cooperation policies should not be conditioned by any migration control policy.A number of reservations we had included the reference within the text which stated by 30 June 2019 the Commission shall submit to the European Parliament and to the Council an independent external evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages of entrusting the financial management of the assets of the Fund and of the European Fund for Sustainable Development to the Commission, the EIB, or a combination of the two.

2016/11/22

. – We do not support development cooperation policies being conditional on refugee controls, or the use of the phrase in this text ‘building socio-economic resilience’ when referring to migrants, refugees and countries of origin and transit, as it is deliberate language in this context designed to give the impression that the European Union is committed to its humanitarian responsibilities to refugees. However we abstained rather than vote against for the following reasons:– The text supports development of micro and small and medium—sized enterprises;– It supports investment and rural development projects for water sanitation – i.e. drinking—water treatment, wastewater disposal and renewable energy, and social and economic infrastructure improvement;– It calls for EIB financing operations to support the public sector, including municipalities and public—sector entities – e.g. facilities for children, sanitation services and school education;– It also references support for the United Nations sustainable development and respect for human, labour and social rights.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained on this report which examined the activities of the European Investment Bank throughout 2016. It contained some positive elements such as calling for increased accountability and transparency of the EIB’s financial activities, and calling for the EIB to ensure human rights, social and environmental standards were enforced in countries and projects that are recipients of EIB funding. However, the report also endorses the existing right-wing economic framework of the EU, including promoting ‘competitiveness’ and the Europe 2020 strategy. It also failed to make strong enough criticism of the misuse of EIB funds or funding of problematic projects such as polluting industries.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained on this motion as, while it highlights human rights issues in Turkey, the motion also condemned the Kurds for resisting Turkish aggression.There are serious human rights abuses in Turkey such as the repression of political opposition, LGBTQ activists, and the ongoing repression of the Kurds, as such it is unfortunate that this resolution failed to unilaterally denounce Turkish aggression. This resolution which comes less than three week since the Turkish Government began its military campaign against Kurds in Northern Syria, in this context of illegal military action by the Turkish state, the motion’s language condemning the Kurds is counterproductive and contributes nothing to promoting human rights and democracy in Turkey.In the face of Turkey’s illegal military action, European politicians ought to unequivocally condemn the Turkish Government and support the rights of the Kurdish people.

2016/11/22

. – While we agree with the joint resolution that the Venezuelan Government and opposition must find a peaceful and democratic solution to the crisis in the country, we voted against this resolution.The Venezuelan Government and opposition have been involved in ongoing negotiations in the Dominican Republic to reach a national consensus to prevent a return to violence and to find a peaceful democratic way forward.The spirit of this resolution – drafted by right—wing parties in the European Parliament – runs contrary to that approach, and risks damaging negotiations. It calls for expanding the sanctions imposed by the EU in January against leading members of the Venezuelan Government.Sanctions won’t foster the normalisation and stabilisation Venezuela needs, and this kind of unilateral action only heightens tensions unnecessarily. The resolution also clearly takes the side of the Venezuelan opposition on issues that are still the subject of negotiations, such as the upcoming presidential elections.Venezuela currently faces significant economic and political challenges, due to both internal conflict and external interference. While the scale and causes of these difficulties are contested, it is clear that further confrontation will not help.This joint resolution does more harm than good. We therefore voted against it.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of the joint motion for resolution on the situation of UNRWA. UNRWA undertakes vitally important work providing support and resources to over 5 million refugees in Palestine, Syria, Jordan and Lebanon. It is important that the EU and other countries support the programme and ensure that it is adequately resourced to continue its projects.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this resolution in light of numerous studies which have highlighted the negative consequences of daylight saving time (DST).We believe that the removal of DST would have positive effects on many sectors including workers and those involved in the agricultural sector as well as reducing the rates of road traffic accidents. The marginal energy savings brought about by DST do not stand up to the increased hardships it causes to many sectors of society and the economic hindrances it brings about.Sinn Féin believes it was wrong of the EU to compel Member States into introducing DST with the Directive 2000/84/EC and while we support this change believe that, ultimately, powers over these issues should remain a sovereign matter.

2016/11/22

. – This report proposes a new composition for the European Parliament for the period 2019-2024. It proposes to reallocate some seats that will be lost with Brexit, and to create a so-called ‘joint constituency’, electing MEPs from an EU-wide ‘transnational list’. Transnational lists are an awful idea: they remove accountability, favour larger Member States, and will make MEPs less accessible. I welcome the fact that the Parliament vote rejected them.I also welcome the two extra seats allocated to the south of Ireland, but this is not good enough. It would result in Ireland going, in real terms, from 14 to 13 seats, unless three seats are kept for the North. The report fell short of this, but Sinn Féin secured a reference to citizens’ rights under the Good Friday Agreement. This leaves the door open for seats in the North. The report will now go to the European Council – the Taoiseach needs to act. Ireland previously had a smaller population and more representation. There is an opportunity to address that imbalance and to ensure the north retains its voice in Europe, but this report doesn’t do this. In the interests of Ireland, I therefore voted against the report.

2016/11/22

. – This report supported the European Commission’s amendments to the framework agreement on relations between Parliament and the Commission, notably in areas concerning the participation of Commissioners in Parliament elections. It advocated the ‘Spitzenkandidaten’ or ‘lead candidate’ system, where political groups in Parliament nominate their candidate for European Commission President, and the group that comes out on top – with or without a majority – then gets the job.I am deeply sceptical that the Spitzenkandidat system will do anything for democratic accountability in the EU. What we need is real reform of the EU rather than arguments about who gets the top job. We need a real engagement with citizens. The report also proposed removing the obligation for Commissioners running for the European Parliament to take unpaid leave during an election campaign. The Commission has introduced a Code of Conduct to address some potential problems in the relations between the Parliament and Commission. However, there are still significant outstanding issues with regards to impartiality, transparency, conflicts of interests, and the independence of the Commission, as well as the cooling-off period for former commissioners before they take up significant roles elsewhere. I therefore voted against this report.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against the report on automated data exchange with regard to vehicle registration data in Portugal. This report is a component of a wider package of measures across the E.U. This case specifically deals with automated data exchange, which means bulk data transmission, in contrast to targeted exchange of personal data. It also follows a unilateral ‘enforcement’ narrative of always collecting and exchanging more personal data, whereas the Commission and the Member States should provide an in-depth analysis and evaluation of the current instruments and practices, in order to demonstrate their necessity.

2016/11/22

. – This was a very positive resolution that acknowledged petitioners to the EU Petitions Committee are concerned about the lack of a comprehensive EU response and protection when it comes to their linguistic and other minority rights, rights which are enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and among the general principles of EU law, as stated by the European Court of Justice.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this objection to the Commission’s proposed delegated regulation on the list of high-risk third countries under the Anti Money Laundering Directive.The Commission’s new methodology in determining the jurisdictions that should be on this list is an improvement but the proposed timeframe for carrying out its assessment is far too long. The Commission proposes that it is Priority 1 list assessment process will be completed by the end of this year, but its Priority 2 list won’t be completed until 2025. this objection calls for the timeframe to be shortened, and for the Priority 2 list to be developed by the end of 2020 instead of the Commission’s proposed 2025.We are also in favour of removing Tunisia from the regulation due to recent progress it has made in anti-money laundering efforts. The Financial Action Task Force has now removed Tunisia from its list of high-risk third countries, and we recognise that Tunisia is facing special challenges in undergoing its transition to democracy.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report calling for zero tolerance for female genital mutilation. It calls on the Commission to mainstream the prevention of female genital mutilation into all sectors. The report recognises the severe physical, psychological and emotional consequences female genital mutilation has on girls and women for the rest of their lives. It points out that, under the Istanbul Convention, Member States have an obligation to criminalise female genital mutilation. The report calls for targeted training on detection, investigation and prosecution of female genital mutilation. The report encourages preventative action in refugee camps and highlights the need to protect asylum seekers who are at risk of suffering female genital mutilation.As we believe that eradicating female genital mutilation is a priority, we voted in favour of the report.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this immunity waiver. The case concerns a Front National MEP, who in 2015 posted a short text on his Facebook profile denouncing moves by the opposition against the instalment of a Christmas crib within the premises of the local town hall.A number of comments were posted under the post which attacked and insulted member of the opposition, who then requested the post to be removed. It was however left up in the public domain.This opposition member is now looking to take a civil suit for the crime of public insult directed at an individual, publishable under French law.If his immunity is waived the police will seek to interview him possibly as an ‘assisting witness’ to the insult. While we agree with the right to free speech and have some concerns about the precedent this may set in requiring public official to police third party comments on social media, there must be a balance here in terms of not inciting hatred in a public domain and also allowing the police to question the MEP concerned in order to further the case.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this agreement for cooperation in the fields of research and science between the EU & Brazil. The agreement allows for reciprocal participation in research and development entities, joint research projects and organisation of seminars. Brazil carries out research on agriculture, tropical and infectious diseases, renewable energy, biofuels, and information technologies. Among third-countries Brazil is the 6th most active country under FP7, and 5th under Horizon 2020. Therefore we voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report, setting up a special committee to look into the EU’s authorisation procedures for pesticides. Following difficulties and procedural anomalies with the way the glyphosate authorisation process was handled, we believe that it is necessary to take a closer look at the way these decisions are taken, involving multiple EU bodies. The committee’s jurisdiction will look at the authorisation procedure for all pesticides, given concerns regarding transparency, the approval criteria, and the application of the precautionary principle in general. The special committee will present to Parliament a final report containing factual findings and recommendations concerning the measures and initiatives to be taken after a period of nine months. Sinn Fein has been vocal on the lack of scrutiny regarding these authorisation procedures before, especially in relation to conflicts of interests, lack of veritable scientific evidence and independence from the industry. Therefore, we welcome the establishment of this special committee and look forward to the final report it will produce.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this file, which seeks to restrict geo-blocking for online retailers.I had some concerns that the final text would be overly complex for small businesses to comply with, however the legislation contains safeguards so that there are no obligations for businesses to treat or actually provide services so long as they do not re-route consumers without valid justification. Consumers will no longer be discriminated against based on their country of residence.While the scope for the current legislation excludes audio-visual content or anything subject to copyright, so will not affect television or other transmissions/broadcasts, there is however a review clause which calls on the Commission to look at the possibility of eliminating geo-blocking for this area in two years. Sinn Féin welcomes this inclusion which would hopefully tackle some of the issues on the island of Ireland, particularly with regard to sports broadcasting.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this report. Sinn Fein does not see the proposals in this Directive as effective ways of addressing climate change and reducing emissions. The result will be further marketisation of climate change measures, the protection of large industries, and pollution permits within a pay to pollute system. In this vote, the plenary is asked whether to endorse the result of nine months of negotiations. Despite laborious trilogues, the final result still upholds the same ideology and does not sufficiently revise the system to the extent that we can support it. Moreover, some of the final issues dealt with the setting up of an Innovation Fund and a Modernisation Fund, which constitute derogations from the caps on ETS rather than supports. The Commission’s statement makes reference to increasing the linear reduction factor for ETS, new legislative measures on maritime emissions, guidance for just transition in coal and carbon-intensive regions and consideration of carbon capture and use technologies. These, however, are only slight improvements to a flawed system.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this report. The annual report on the ECB includes some positive points such as calling for monetary policies to remain pro-growth until full employment has been reached, and calling for the swift adoption of the European Deposit Insurance Scheme, which we support. However, it is dominated by endorsements of the damaging and pro-austerity Economic and Monetary Union architecture. It calls for the deepening of the EMU and the Capital Markets Union, which aims to promote shadow banking in the EU, which we strongly oppose.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report. It unashamedly advocates the liberalisation of the EU energy market in order to facilitate more innovation in the energy sector, notably by removing obstacles to free price formation and phasing out energy subsidies. It welcomes the Commission Communication on ‘Accelerating Clean Energy Innovation’, which places the private sector in the driving seat of investment in clean energy, advocating the neoliberal approach to clean energy solutions: aiming to create a competitive market for renewable energy. While the report does contain some important elements, such as on energy efficiency, energy poverty, democratic involvement of EU citizens, and community-driven energy systems, it still advocates the same market-based approach to clean energy overall, focusing primarily on the role of the private sector in the transition.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report, which allows the Council to conclude the Marrakesh Treaty, facilitating access to published works for persons who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise print disabled. The simplified cross-border exchange of these works means that there is greater access to different languages and format types, hopefully making these more available to those who need them, along with more diversity in the works that can be accessed.We support any measures which ease access to these kinds of works for persons with disabilities.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report, which addresses gaps in the current legislative framework that have arisen during implementation. The proposal deals with judicial cooperation between Member States in cross-border cases involving parental custody and child abduction. The main changes are all positive, in that the regulation now extends to refugee children, who have been internationally displaced. Mediation is now recognised and encouraged as a method of resolving cross-border disputes, and domestic or gender-based violence is mentioned as a ground for jurisdiction to take protective measures for children. National courts will still be permitted to apply their own laws. For these reasons we voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report, which addresses the Youth Employment Initiative (YEI) and its implementation. Highlighting areas in which the YEI has failed in its implementation, the report offers a number of possible improvements to the initiative. It addresses problems such as insufficient data, national governments using the fund to supplement their own programmes, the lack of focus on young people with disabilities, misuse and waste of funds, and uneven distribution across Member States.Although we were opposed to the establishment of an EU hotline, we felt that this proposal did not outweigh the positive aspects of the report. While we agree that young people should have a mechanism to report exploitation, we believe that Member States should be responsible for it. Nevertheless, we felt we could vote in favour of the report.The report highlights the importance of the YEI, despite the criticism of its implementation, and the spirit is in line with improving the initiative, rather than abolishing it or reducing its scope. For that reason we voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained in the vote on this report as it contained aspects which are both very positive and very negative, in different sections. The report highlights the need for regulated professions as a means of safeguarding public safety, health and the environment, as well as a guarantee for high-quality jobs, which should not be evaluated in solely economic terms. It criticises the Commission’s ‘restrictiveness indicator’ but does not go as far as it could and should in that regard. Parts of the report reinforce quantitative and qualitative assessments and minimum standards as well as a non-discriminatory aspect.The report also stresses, however, that EU regulations must adapt to market needs, and it calls for an EU regulatory framework which transfers too much authority to the European level. For these reasons we abstained in the final vote.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this proposal to regulate the export of items that can be used for civil and military purposes – dual-use items. The regulation contains a list of items that require a licence before export. These licences are provided at national level after an assessment of the nature and potential uses of the item and the situation in the country of destination.Changes in this recast include expanding the provision for items that cover cyber surveillance. Also, for the first time, a human rights dimension is introduced – restricting dual-use items (within the realm of cyber surveillance) which may directly or indirectly impact on human rights. Previously, the emphasis was purely on non-proliferation.With regard to cyber surveillance, national agencies should not grant export licences for dual-use items to countries where serious violations of human rights have been identified by the UN, the Council of Europe or the EU. We welcome this added protection in respect of situations involving potential or ongoing human rights violations, therefore we voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained on this report. The Commission is proposing a new binding target of 27% renewable energy in overall energy needs by 2030, and the report aims to make this target more ambitious. The report deals with biofuels, calling for a cap on first-generation biofuels (taking into consideration the greenhouse gas emissions related to indirect land-use change) and increasing the minimum share of advanced biofuels. Sinn Féin’s position on renewable energy is to ensure diversified renewable energy sources, favouring advanced biofuels over crop-based biofuels and supporting high sustainability criteria in all cases. Sinn Féin is also in favour of supporting a much more ambitious target for renewable energy than the Commission’s proposal.Unfortunately, the report deals with developing an EU market for renewable energy rather than ensuring long-term climate goals and ending energy poverty. However, RED II is at least a development from RED I, which is already in place, and the report aims for more ambition in greening our energy. Sinn Féin is of the opinion that national binding targets in relation to renewable energy are imperative, not just an overall EU target. For these reasons we abstained on the report.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report, which is a recast of the Energy Efficiency Directive. It includes a 30% binding EU target for energy efficiency, an increase from the indicative 27% target. It calls for member States to ensure that energy suppliers and distributors increase their energy savings by 1.5% per year. Sinn Fein agrees that energy efficiency is one of the most cost effective methods of decarbonising the economy and it is an important part in reaching 2030 energy and climate goals. There are other positive elements in this report dealing with improving the provision of information on the heating and cooling consumption, to strengthen consumers' rights and transparency in metering and billing of thermal energy, and the consideration of energy poverty.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report. The Commission's proposal is to establish the necessary legislative foundation for reliable and transparent governance which would ensure the achievement of the objectives and targets of the Energy Union, with the Commission as its supervisor. Sinn Fein opposes the European Energy Union as it leaves member states tied up in a political process with the Commission, disregards the principle of subsidiarity and aims for a fully integrated and liberalised European energy market. The aim of the Energy Union is to have an integrated continent-wide energy system based on competition. The consequences of this liberalized internal market of energy will not be much different from how it is in other sectors: the monopolist concentration of the sector at European level, the upper hand to the energy oligopolies (be it fossil or renewables-based) and harming consumers, especially the more vulnerable.

2016/11/22

. – Every two years, the European Commission publishes a report to assess the implementation of macro-regional strategies (MRS). These are one of the European Union’s main instruments for promoting territorial cooperation and ensuring a coordinated approach, enhancing social, economic and territorial cohesion through the use of structural funds. Currently, there are four MRS (Baltic, Danube, Adriatic-Ionian and Alpine) bringing together 19 Member States and a further 8 third countries.The report considers MRS to be invaluable for cross-border, cross-sector and multilevel cooperation. It also highlights some problems concerning commitment, ownership, resources and governance, and argues that implementation must be made more visible, result-oriented, and efficiently coordinated, with clearer funding commitments.A number of progressive amendments were also accepted into the text, on issues including: involving regional and local authorities, public sector participation, rapid adaptation for emergencies and refugees, the environment, sustainable tourism, and the importance of effective exchange of information and best practice.We therefore voted in favour of the report.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on this report, as it sought to give the European Commission the power to adopt delegated acts even in the absence of Member State joint recommendations – even those submitted that are deemed not to be compatible. I also had concerns over what can interpreted as potential further derogations for what are supposed to be trial periods for innovative equipment – in this context, I am referring to electric pulse trawl fishing which had previously been banned in the EU and is still banned on other non-EU countries. There were also references to existing control regulation that a Member State could be penalised by the European Commission for ‘non—compliance’ in fisheries, the result being potential reductions in quotas.However, there was still a better balance between industry and environmental concerns compare to previous reports, and that is the correct approach. We tabled a number of amendments that fishermen should be incentivised to fish more sustainably, and also not be penalised in terms of tonnage for fitting their vessels to improve health and safety standards.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report. It stresses the need for international collaboration in tackling the threat climate change poses to the world’s oceans. It provides suggestions for implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 regarding sustainable oceans at EU level, dealing with water acidification, shipping emissions and marine litter among others. It encourages the Commission to uphold UNCLOS as the international ocean governance framework and to develop partnerships with key players in order to achieve better international ocean governance.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report. This report emphasises that women are particularly susceptible to the negative implications of climate change. It calls for the Commission to consider the social and environmental impact of its trade and foreign development policies, including their impact on women, and that trade agreements must consider these elements to ensure sustainable development and to apply sanctions in the event of non-compliance. The report calls for gender balance in those leading the discussions on climate change, such as UNFCCC, particularly increased participation of rural and indigenous women. It asks Member States to prioritise the impact on women when carrying out policies to tackle climate change. The report asks for the issue of climate-migration to be placed on the international political agenda. Considering the positive approach of this report, I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against the proposal by the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection to enter into institutional negotiations.In January of this year, the Commission proposed reforms to the current notification procedure in the Services Directive because of its low compliance rates. The existing situation requires Member States to notify the Commission of legislative changes they adopt that may affect freedom of establishment and the free movement of services. The Commission’s proposal, however, requires that draft legislation be submitted, according to the notification procedure, at least three months before its intended date of adoption. The effects of this are significant as they can leave national legislative procedure at a standstill.Furthermore, the Commission’s proposal could stall the procedure with the alert mechanism, and could restrain a Member State from adopting legislation. Sinn Féin opposes giving the Commission powers that would interfere with national legislative procedures. For this reason we voted against the mandate to enter into trilogues.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this motion. The situation in Afghanistan is the result of decades of imperialist adventures in the country. This motion made no mention of the disastrous effect the US led NATO intervention has had on Afghanistan, or the US administration’s failure to prepare for an eventual withdrawal of troops.Afghanistan is definitely not a safe country, it is the most droned bombed country in the world, the US drone campaign is a policy of extra judicial executions which worsens the security situation and forces thousands of ordinary Afghanis to flee their homes. Despite the total lack of personal security in Afghanistan this report still failed to condemn the EU-Afghanistan re-admission agreement.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this motion which highlights the ongoing ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya people in Myanmar, the motion calls for stronger international action to help the refugees and to address the causes of the current crisis such as the lack of rights and persistent discrimination experienced by the Rohingya in Myanmar.Strong international action and condemnation of the Myanmar government is urgently needed to address the ongoing ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this implementation report. The reports assesses to which extent Member States have transposed the Directive on Combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography into legislation. The overall conclusion is that, despite the Member States’ major efforts to introduce appropriate legislation, there is still considerable work to do for the Directive to reach its full potential. It is vitally important that steps are taken to ensure the safety of young people online and to combat the exploitation of children.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of the 2016 Annual Report which is intended to give an overview of the work of the Committee on Petitions. The Committee’s work programme is being established by EU citizens and residents as they exercise their right to petition Parliament and share their concerns over various EU policies and legislation.The Annual Report aims to give a precise and full view of the work done by the Committee on Petitions. It provides statistics on the number of petitions received, dealt with and closed by the Committee, the countries concerned and the matters raised. This report also covers other aspects such as relations with other EU institutions and with national and regional authorities.Elements included in the report are:Highlighting the vital role that the Committee on Petitions has to play as a contact point where EU citizens and residents can submit their complaints concerning infringements and shortcomings in the application of EU law in the Member States, and any gaps and inconsistencies in EU legislation and stresses the need to guarantee in full that the issues raised will be treated promptly, exhaustively, impartially and fairly by the institutions.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report. The report aims for low-emissions throughout the transport industry, particularly road transport, in the context of achieving the climate goals of the Paris Agreement.The report aims to increase digitalisation in the industry, and providing incentives for non fossil fuel based transport.The file promotes use of natural gas and green biogas. The report contains reference to EFSI, such as not allowing CEF to fund EFSI and asks that using EFSI to fund CEF eligible projects should be avoided, which we support.Therefore, we voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – Even though we voted in favour of this resolution, there are still too many contradictions and ambiguities in the British Government position. These contradictions need to be clarified and ambiguities removed in the legal text to be drawn up over the coming weeks and months.The only way to ensure that there is no hardening of the border with regard to rights, rules or physical infrastructure is for the north of Ireland to have a special status within the EU, within the single market and customs union, and with the Charter of Fundamental Rights and the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice continuing to apply.The EU and the Irish Government need to be extremely vigilant in the coming months to ensure that there is no attempt by the British Government to backtrack on commitments given or to water down the provisions of the Good Friday Agreement in any way.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this objection. Sinn Féin has always been dedicated to prioritising the interests of consumers over all financial interests, especially as regards food safety. The current situation is that phosphates are not allowed for use in processed meat. However, the practice is widespread due to many derogations and a loophole exempting ‘frozen vertical meat spits’. The Food Additives Regulation lays down criteria which must be satisfied before chemicals can be used in food, and the use of phosphates in kebab meat does not currently satisfy these criteria. At present, there is inconclusive scientific evidence regarding their safety and an ongoing re-evaluation by EFSA. As such, the premature authorisation of their use is against the precautionary principle. Moreover, phosphates enhance the flavour of meat and retain water, adding to the weight, which leads to concerns over fraud. Thus, objecting to the Commission’s proposal is the only rational step to take until the science is clear and there is absolutely no health risk to the consumer.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained on this report. It contains many positive elements that strengthen Parliament’s position on combating tax dodging and money laundering. The recommendation calls for enhanced public registries for companies and beneficial owners and public country-by-country reporting to go beyond the limitations of the OECD BEPS measures; it calls for beneficial owners to be identified if they directly or indirectly own at least one share in an entity; it calls on Member States to implement dissuasive and proportionate sanctions against the enablers of illegal tax or money-laundering schemes; and calls for a UN global summit and tax body to deal with these issues. Unfortunately, many important provisions that were included in the PANA report adopted by committee in October were deleted by an alliance of conservative groups. There were also several aspects which I am concerned would infringe on tax sovereignty, including calling for tax issues to be dealt with by qualified majority voting instead of unanimity in the Council; calls for a harmonised minimum tax rate in the EU and for the rapid implementation of the CCCTB. We abstained due to these concerns.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this report, which aims to further EU militarisation: it calls for increased military spending and the further development of EU funds for military spending. It also calls for the creation of permanent EU pooled military units and the creation of a military free travel area in Europe. This report shows that the EU is not a union based on peace and cooperation, but is increasingly becoming a military alliance which assists the efforts of large NATO members and diverts public money with a view to funding projects for the European arms industry.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report, which calls on the EU to become a strong global actor through the development of strategic partnerships with non-EU countries. The primary aim of this is for the EU to counter the influence of various regional powers. By prioritising strategic concerns, the EU is undermining the efforts made by the EU and Member States to promote peace and security in countries outside the EU. This report also calls for stronger cooperation between the EU and NATO on foreign policy, but such cooperation will only further militarisation and contribute to global insecurity.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on this report. While the report highlights many important human rights issues, its main aim is to increase the EU’s role as an international power. It calls on the EU to use common security and defence missions under the pretence of human rights protection.I am fully supportive of the international human rights protection system that currently exists through the UN; there is no reason for the EU to attempt to replicate already existing international human rights structures.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this file; the framework for the handover of Hong Kong was agreed between the UK and the People’s Republic of China 20 years ago. This report does not show sufficient respect for the internationally agreed ‘One country, two systems’ agreement on Hong Kong. The report also fails to mention several areas of concern in Hong Kong, namely the high levels of inequality despite Hong Kong’s financial success, Hong Kong’s role in global tax avoidance systems and the abuse of foreign domestic workers in Hong Kong.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of the single amendment as I support the restrictions on the issuing of fishing authorisations outside Union waters for industrial fleets guilty of serious infringements; the amendment sought to broaden the scope to include the reference to masters of fishing vessels.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report, which makes changes to the four basic CAP Acts. The changes in some instances are small changes to address problems that have arisen over the first two years of implementation of the last CAP reform. In other instances, the changes should go towards simplifying procedures and the mountain of red tape that has built up around payments systems. I welcome the changes to the Young Farmer schemes which will allow farmers to benefit from funds for a full five years, as well as the easing of the definition of permanent grassland. Expanding the sectors that may set up producer organisations is also a welcome development, though should not be seen as fully addressing the issue of unfair trading practices in the food supply chain. Although I am cautious about the inclusion of more private financial instruments, I supported the majority of changes here, so voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this provisional agreement. Sinn Féin has always been opposed to the EU ETS and its revisions because of the further marketisation of climate change measures, how it protects large industries, and how the free allowances developed into a system of pollution permits. In this instance, the plenary is being asked whether to endorse the outcome of a year of trilogues, for the revision of the system for 2021-2030. The Commissions’ proposal includes two new elements: an innovation fund, to extend support for low-carbon innovative technologies, and a modernisation fund to promote the renewal of energy infrastructure and support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in Member States with a GDPs lower than the EU average. These funds are more or less derogations and aim to set the EU up for energy harmonisation. This, plus our rejection of the ETS system overall, led to me vote against the provisional agreement.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this measure to extend the duration of the EFSI.The EFSI was established in 2015 for an initial period of three years with the aim of mobilising at least EUR 315bn in investments.This legislative proposal aims not only to extend the investment period of the so-called Juncker Plan until the end of the current Multiannual Financial Framework (2020), but also to extend its financial capacity (from EUR 5bn to EUR 7,5bn) and raise the focus on additionality. The Commission’s quantitative objective is to provide at least EUR 500bn investments by 2020.We opposed EFSI from the outset, calling instead for a truly Public Investment Plan. EFSI has been nothing more than a guarantee fund for Private Investors that ordinarily finance purely private projects.The EFSI is not delivering social projects on any meaningful scale and is no more than a private financing stream facilitated through existing commercial banks for companies to access cheap credit.The EFSI could be used in a manner that benefits the ordinary people of Europe. Public investment needs to be prioritised particularly following the devastating years of the most recent recession.This is the strategy and position that I will continue to advocate for.

2016/11/22

. – We rejected the call to enter into inter-institutional negotiations on this file. Our reasons for refusing permission to move this file to the next stage was that there are many issues that the Committee failed to address at the first stage. This includes the fact that technology neutrality has not been protected and the scope for collective management has been reduced. In addition, there has not been enough protections included for creators over service providers. Finally, the protection for national minorities has been reduced massively, to only give protection for news and current affairs programmes. Sinn Féin believes that minority language users must have access to everyday content. For these reasons we voted against.

2016/11/22

. – We voted to uphold the immunity of MEP Eleonora Forenza. Ms Forenza was arrested and detained at a peaceful protest against the G20 Summit in Hamburg over the summer.There are no charges or legal proceedings against Ms Forenza, but formalities on parliamentary immunities required this vote to take place. Questions on the legality of her arrest and detention aside, Human Rights and the Freedom of demonstrate peacefully must be upheld for all citizens.

2016/11/22

. – We voted to waive the immunity of Ms Gräßle. The MEP in question was involved in a road traffic accident, in which she ran a red light. She cannot appear in court to give a statement on the incident until her immunity has been waived. As the incident is not connected to her functions as an MEP, and in order to allow the justice system to deal with this incident, we voted to waive the immunity.

2016/11/22

. – This was a technical file including the codification of existing legislation. The facts date back to the Byrd Amendment (Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act of 2000), adopted by the US in 2000. This legislation allows for the distribution of anti-dumping duties to companies that complain. The WTO found this piece of legislation illegal in 2003, however not steps were taken to rescind the Act. Therefore the European Commission imposed retaliatory measures, along with 8 other WTO members. The codification today does not make any changes to the content of the legislation for retaliatory measures, it merely codifies the terms. For these reasons, I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – This vote is to give consent to the EU-USA Air Transport Agreement - this is an agreement which is already provisionally applied since 2010, however the ratification by Member States and consent process by the European Parliament is still ongoing.The agreement aims to increase competitiveness and liberalise the aviation market, by allowing US airlines to provide services, to the EU and vice versa, without restrictions, including easing regulations on foreign ownership of airlines.The file contains no emphasis on maintaining standards in workers’ rights and does not address the differences between EU and US standards. Increasingly the agreement’s aim is to create a neoliberal and pro-market approach to the sector.The agreement enhances privatisation and will lead to further cost-cutting airlines, which often cut back on workers’ rights to offer cheap flights and encourage competitiveness in the sector.Therefore we voted against the report.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained on this vote. This file pertains to the agreement on the revision of the emissions trading system phase IV, linking the EU ETS with the ETS of Switzerland. The agreements sets out the institutional framework as well as the key objectives and principles for linking the two systems. Sinn Féin does not endorse the EU ETS system as an effective way forward on climate action, as it commodifies pollution and benefits the biggest polluters. However, it is an issue for Switzerland to decide whether they want to merge their system with that of the EU’s – as it stands, there are no major consequences of linking the two systems as they are already more or less aligned. For this reason we abstained.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this vote giving Parliament’s consent to the Commission’s proposed Enhanced Partnership Agreement with Kazakhstan. It is wholly inappropriate for the EU increase cooperation with any country with severe human rights issues. Kazakhstan is ranked as one of the least free countries in the world. The Agreement is focused on trade liberalisation, security cooperation, visa and remittance agreements between the EU and Kazakhstan. The EU’s insistence on liberalising trade with as many countries as possible will have negative consequences for ordinary people in Europe and around the world, while an increased role for the EU in international security will weaken UN structures and contribute to further EU militarisation.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this resolution, as it calls for the EU to create an enhanced partnership with Kazakhstan. The report did not take a strong stance on the human rights issue in Kazakhstan, one of the least free contries in the world. The references in the report to serious human rights abuses and the lack of democracy should be enough to rule out any preferential treatment for Kazakhstan.The report also calls on the EU to play a stonger role in the internal politics of Kazakhstan and in Central Asian regional politics. The EU is supposed to be a union of European states focusing on areas of common interest. This report is part of a wider EU policy of developing a stronger common European foreign policy and giving the EU a stronger role as an international actor: that is not why the EU was created.

2016/11/22

. – Every three years the Commission publishes a report analysing the situation of citizens’ rights in the EU and laying out its future priorities in this area. Whilst this report contained some positives such as highlighting the negative effects of austerity, calling for more equality and transparency, this reports also contained many negatives as well.The report calls for more visibility of political parties at the European level and supports the possibility of introducing an European identity card; it promotes the introduction of a transnational list as a positive contribution to fostering the notion of EU citizenship and its support the nomination of Europe—wide candidates for the post of Commission President by European political parties.The report also underlines the need for a ‘clearly—defined EU policy to tackle ‘anti—European propaganda and false information’; this suggests that the report wishes to prohibit criticism, which we are completely against.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this non-legislative report from the International Trade Committee. The report ultimately is calling for the EU to lead the process of regulating the digital economy through its trade agreements. While this in itself can be dangerous since concessions made during trade negotiations often lead to adoption of the lowest standards and a race to the bottom, there were many other negative elements in this report. This includes calling for the EU to continue efforts to increase opportunities and protections for foreign investors, which is a nod to the Commission’s plans to establish a multilateral investment court. Sinn Féin completely opposes plans for this court, which we believe will breach the Constitution of Ireland. There was also a lot of emphasis on the economic importance of data transfers and calls for the Commission to urgently launch TiSA negotiations. For these reasons we voted against.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this recommendation which gives Parliament’s consent to the Commission’s proposed EU-New Zealand partnership agreement. This partnership agreement is primarily intended to facilitate the introduction of an EU-New Zealand free trade agreement similar to TTIP and CETA.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this resolution on the EU-New Zealand partnership agreement. It recognises EU cooperation with New Zealand in several areas, however it calls for the launch of free-trade negotiations between the EU and New Zealand.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour. The report approves the 2016 report of activities presented by the European Ombudsman and congratulates her for her work. It notes that the Ombudsman’s office has achieved the second highest rate of compliance with its decisions and/or recommendations so far and recommends that the Ombudsman stay alert, identify reasons for non-compliance with its recommendations and inform Parliament of any recurrent cases of non-compliance on the part of the EU administration.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this motion for a resolution. The Environmental Implementation Review (EIR) is a two-yearly cycle of analysis, dialogue and collaboration, with publication of country reports and discussions between the European Commission, EU Member States and stakeholders. It aims to address the causes of implementation gaps and find solutions. The resolution acknowledges both the high standards of EU environmental legislation and its implementation gaps and welcomes the EIR as a way of improving implementation. While I accept the EIR process, the resolution contains some paragraphs that I do not support, such as encouraging stronger links with the European Semester and advocating market instruments by Member States, such as a fiscal policy based on the ‘polluter pays’ principle. There is also a call for the Commission to propose EU—level environmental inspections.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained in this vote. This report recognises the negative impact social inequalities have on society, particularly their impact on economic growth. The report recognises that inequalities are a problem; however, it ignores the role of EU austerity in worsening these inequalities.The report recommends greater EU action to tackle inequality as part of further integration, but there is no mention of addressing the existing EU austerity policies which have worsened inequality across Europe.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this file which extends the period under which the Commission can adopt delegated acts for Directive 2010/40/EU on the deployment of Intelligent Transport Systems in the field of road transport. Delegated acts concern the provision of an EU-wide e-call, road-safety related minimum traffic information, information on safe and secure parking spaces for trucks and commercial vehicles, and EU-wide real time traffic information.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report on Parliament’s recommendations to the Council and the Commission on the Eastern Partnership. This report calls for a stronger EU presence in the Eastern Partnership countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia and Ukraine.It calls for further economic integration through free trade agreements between the EU and Eastern Partnership countries and for a stronger EU security presence in the region through the deployment of common security and defence policy missions.The report mentions the need for unresolved conflicts to be addressed and condemns Russia’s activities in the region, particularly in Georgia and Ukraine, and propaganda activities. The report rightly raises concerns about the situation in east Ukraine; however the report fails to mention the serious human rights issues in Ukraine, such as the repression of journalists, the use of arbitrary detention and the banning of legitimate political parties.

2016/11/22

. – As shadow of this motion for a resolution, I voted in favour. The Commission adopted the Action Plan for Nature, People and the Economy to improve the implementation of the Nature Directives. The resolution welcomes the Action Plan, though points to its shortcomings. It states that more effort is needed to reach biodiversity targets and calls for involvement of all actors to improve implementation. I am in favour of the implementation improvements laid out in the Action Plan, including strengthening investment, improving guidance and knowledge connecting nature protection to socio-economic activities, building political ownership at all levels and raising awareness about benefits of protecting nature.

2016/11/22

. – This resolution condemns the Polish government for ongoing breaches of fundamental rights and the rule of law. In recent years, the governing Law and Justice (PiS) party has overseen fundamental rights abuses, including attacks on migrants, women’s rights, freedom of expression and assembly, and judicial independence.The Polish government has placed NGO and civil society funding under government control, ignored European Court of Justice rulings, and encouraged the growth of far-right organisations, while engaging in an escalating war of rhetoric with the EU.This resolution calls for compliance proceedings to be initiated against the Polish government. While I do not believe the institutions of the European Union are the best protectors of human rights, there is currently no international actor that can put as much pressure on the Polish government as the EU.There are parts of the resolution that I do not agree with, and I am wary the EU Institutions should not unduly encroach on the sovereignty of nations, but balancing this against the safeguards in the compliance process and the seriousness of the human rights abuses taking place, I considered the situation in Poland to justify supporting this motion, and therefore voted in favour of the resolution.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this file. 1 646 employees were made redundant in a call centre in Rome. Over EUR 3 million is being released to support their redundancies. 8 different measures are included to cover a range of difficulties these former employees will face. These are (i) individual orientation, (ii) job search assistance, (iii) training, retraining and vocational training, (iv) reemployment vouchers, (v) support towards entrepreneurship, (vi) contribution to business start-up, (vii) reimbursement of expenses for carers of dependent persons, and (viii) reimbursement of mobility costs.

2016/11/22

. – There are many good proposals in the report, including those that promote safety for vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians. The report also deals with vehicle safety, seatbelt reminder systems, improved fire safety rules and testing requirements for blood alcohol levels.Sinn Féin takes a very strict approach to car safety, including zero tolerance on drink-driving and driving under the influence of drugs. Motor vehicles become lethal weapons if operated under the influence of alcohol or drugs and drink driving is the main contributing factor to single vehicle collisions and is a factor in more than one third of all fatal crashes.However as road rules are a national competence, the legislation governing safety should be developed at national level. Therefore we abstained on the final vote.

2016/11/22

. – This report is a technical proposal to complement the establishment of a common classification of territorial units (NUTS) with the necessary elements to take into account developments in territorial classifications for statistical purposes.It proposes establishing a legal recognition of territorial typologies for the purposes of statistics, including core definitions and statistical criteria, and to ensure a harmonised application and use of these typologies at an EU level.Such definitions are already in use by the European Statistical System, but are not formally recognised. This report would change that, making the statistical data more useful. We therefore voted in favour of the report.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this file, which deals with recognising professional qualifications on inland navigation. It aims to tackle obstacles to labour mobility, by recognising certificates of qualification, service record books and logbooks. While the new rules will take into account the different characteristics of Member States, it will not apply to Ireland since there are no waterways in Ireland that meet the criteria to fall within the scope of this legislation.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report. As part of the e-commerce package, the Commission introduced a legislative proposal for a new revised Regulation on cooperation between national authorities responsible for the enforcement of consumer protection laws. The purpose of the revision of the CPC Regulation is to clarify rules and give more powers to national authorities in order to improve enforcement of consumer rights, especially in relation to unlawful online practices. It aims to improve the coordination of Member State’s market monitoring activates and alert mechanisms to enable the detection of infringement earlier. The revision aims to address the consumer protection challenges of the Digital Single Market, with e-commerce posing different types of infringement and on a scale that differs from traditional shopping. The CPC Regulation remains largely intact, introducing new minimum investigation powers for national authorities and a procedure in the case of ‘widespread infringement’ in order to investigate and enforce consumer law of online infringements.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report, which proposes the use of cohesion policy instruments by regions to address the challenges of demographic change.The report identifies territories subject to significant demographic change, and the social impacts that flow from these changes, including the loss of infrastructure, housing, and services, population movement (for example, young people), as well as the growth of more precarious work in these regions.It highlights the importance of cohesion policy to help coordinate EU instruments to ensure a more comprehensive approach to the challenges posed, and the further and more targeted application of structural funds in this regard, including at a range of local, regional and national levels.Importantly, the report has incorporated a youth and gender dimension into its analysis and response to demographic change, as well as prioritising the reception, integration and return of migrants and refugees. We therefore voted in favour of this report.

2016/11/22

. – The Environmental Liability Directive (ELD) was intended to create a common framework for the prevention of the remedying of environmental damage based on the polluter pays principle and this report calls for it to be revised immediately. The report acknowledges the piece-meal implementation of this Directive and its limitations. For example, incidents are only defined as serious if they give rise to deaths or serious injuries, making environmental consequences alone insufficient. The annex is also incomplete leaving loopholes for certain sectors. The report calls for the immediate review of the Directive, introducing more comprehensive definitions of ‘environmental damage’ among others. It also calls for the widening of the scope to include liability for air damage and the introduction of a mandatory financial security, which could take the form of mandatory environmental liability insurance for operators.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of maintaining the mandate of this file to enter trilogue negotiations. EPrivacy is the adaptation of the EU’s data protection rules to electronic communications. It affects everyone who uses a phone or the internet, and an incredible number of businesses are involved. This file is important in protecting the confidentiality of the personal data on phones and computers. It protects against the data mining of WhatsApp messages, emails, Facebook and twitter posts.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of the Joint Motion for Resolution on Combatting sexual harassment and abuse in the EU.The Joint Motion for Resolution condemns the tolerance of sexual harassment and violence and reiterates that is a serious crime, which should be identified as such under the Lisbon Treaty. The report insists on the effective implementation of existing regulation to address sexual harassment and violence against women. It welcomes the #MeToo movement, which gave women a space to speak openly about the abuse they face in the workplace and on a daily basis. The report highlights the role of men in combatting change on this issue, by challenging inappropriate behaviour and language. It addresses the stigma around reporting sexual assault, the frequent use of social media to further abuse women and girls, and calls on Member States to ratify the Istanbul Convention. In reference to the cases of sexual harassment and violence within the EU institutions, it calls for these cases to be thoroughly examined. The report calls for mandatory training for all staff and MEPs on respect and dignity at work to ensure a zero tolerance approach, to set up an institutional network of confidential counsellors and adopt internal rules to protect whistle-blowers.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this Resolution which pre-empts the official opening of trade negotiations with New Zealand. The Commission’s own impact assessment has predicted that increased market access in agriculture by this deal will negatively affect rural employment of small farmers in the EU. I am opposed to the Commission’s new generation of trade deals with threaten public services, rural jobs and primary sectors. It is disappointing that Fine Gael supported the opening of negotiations just two years after the end of milk quotas and barely a year since the last emergency aid package for the dairy sector had to be triggered. Sinn Féin have called for the exclusion of sensitive sectors from this agreement, which was included in the final text.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this Resolution which pre-empts the official opening of trade negotiations with New Zealand. The Commission’s own impact assessment has predicted that increased market access in agriculture by this deal will negatively affect rural employment of small farmers in the EU. I am opposed to the Commission’s new generation of trade deals which threaten public services, rural jobs and primary sectors. It is disappointing that Fine Gael supported the opening of negotiations just two years after the end of milk quotas and barely a year since the last emergency aid package for the dairy sector had to be triggered. Sinn Féin have called for the exclusion of sensitive sectors from this agreement, which was included in the final text.

2016/11/22

. – This is an annual report taking account of the application of EU law in the Member States. While the report usually takes stock of how the application of EU law is necessary to ensure citizens can realise their rights, this year the rapporteur took the opportunity to talk about instances where the application of EU law prevents citizens from realising their rights. There were many good paragraphs discussing the fact that the implementation of austerity policies actually worsen citizens’ rights, the fact that economic adjustment programmes run counter to the values expressed in the Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights, and cases where EU imposed austerity measures have meant the judiciary and administration in some countries cannot ensure the proper application of EU law because of underfunding.I could not support the final vote however, because of the passing of an amendment tabled by the PPE calling for increased sanctions on Member States for incorrect implementation. For these reasons I abstained.

2016/11/22

. – I voted to abstain on this report. There were some progressive aspects to it. Increased funding for the Youth Employment Initiative, a support fund for young farmers, Erasmus + and the EU Programme for Employment and Social Innovation. Overall, there was an increase of EUR 2.3 billion on last year’s budget and all proposed Council cuts were reversed.Worryingly, however, there were too many references towards security in the budget with increases in funding towards security measures also put forward in it. I do not accept this position and believe it is a Member State’s competence to protect the security of its citizens. The EU project was founded to promote peace and harmony. Diverting more funding under Heading 3 has the potential to bring us towards a more militarised Europe. Therefore, despite the progressive measures and taking into account the concerns I had, I abstained on the overall report.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this resolution which proposed not to grant the discharge of the 2015 EU general budget which has been the position of Parliament for many years now. There is a distinct problem in the area of transparency and looking after citizens’ interests. The report is reiterating the transparency and accountability all EU institutions ought to give to the citizens, including the Council and the European Council. It underlines the Parliament’s role in respect of the budget discharge. It calls once more for the budget of the European Council and the Council to be separated. Several pending issues are highlighted, namely on the building policy, the lack of public whistle-blowing rules and more generally the lack of cooperation with the Parliament, failing to provide answers to Parliament’s questions.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this file. The Entry/Exit System was initially a component of the smart borders package proposed in 2013 and dropped after serious concerns raised by Parliament. Departing from its supposed initial purpose of facilitating border crossing of external Schengen borders for third country nationals, the new instrument is fulfilling multiple additional tasks relating to migration management and law enforcement. Under this proposal, data on each person would be retained for a five-year period, which is an infringement on the privacy of individuals.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this file. It outlines how the Entry/Exit System should work on a practical basis. It calls for some changes to the current protocol at borders in order for Entry/Exit System regulations to be implemented. As we are opposed to the implementation of an Entry/Exit System, we are also opposed to this file, which outlines measures to implement the Entry/Exit System.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report, which addresses systemic (and, unfortunately, increasing) anti-Gypsy racism and related discrimination across Europe.The report criticises the EU institutions for not taking into account everyday Roma reality, and of maintaining anti-Gypsyism through the acquis and policies of the EU.Instead of advocating Roma ‘inclusion’ or ‘integration’, the report stresses the importance of ensuring access to, and full enjoyment of, fundamental rights without impediment, discrimination or indeed assimilation.Some other positive elements of this report include: calling for active and meaningful participation of Roma as key to combating anti-Gypsyism, including in the running, monitoring and evaluation of programmes and projects; calling for a truth and reconciliation commission acknowledging the persecution of Roma through the centuries; condemning the unequal treatment of Roma in some Member States, and calling for guaranteed fundamental rights for all; calling for action against hate speech and the denial of a Roma holocaust; deploring the denial of freedom of movement and Roma statelessness; condemning forced sterilisations, unlawful removals of Roma children, school segregation and over-policing of Roma communities; and highlighting the disproportionate impact on Roma women. We therefore voted in favour of this report.

2016/11/22

. – The committee responsible for this report on the European Accessibility Act is the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) Committee, which amended the Commission text. The IMCO text is market-orientated, looking after the interests of business and not doing enough to guarantee genuine accessibility for people with disabilities.With our Group, GUE/NGL, we tabled amendments to strengthen the report. We supported amendments to include transport services and tourism accommodation within the directive, including ticketing machines, transport services, tourism websites and accessibility rooms available in accommodation. We supported proposals to include the built environment, entrances to buildings and buildings in the scope of the directive. We voted in favour of a number of amendments that would refocus the content of the report on ensuring accessibility for people with disabilities.However, not enough of the progressive amendments to the report passed in plenary, and as the directive remained weak and business-orientated, we abstained on the overall vote.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this report about trade between the EU and Chile on organics. This file would see a list of products from both partners recognised as equivalent for reasons of being labelled as organic. Chilean products will be able to carry the EU organic logo despite not adhering to the same rules for certification as EU products. Under the equivalence regime, they may be marketed as organic without additional controls or certification.Not only is this unfair to producers, but transcontinental trade is not, in any way, compatible with the values and principles of organic production which include short circuits of production, low GHG emissions and limited shelf lives.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this technical proposal allowing Croatia to join the existing 2002 Association Agreement with Chile. Our party will not oppose sovereign states which wish to join these kinds of agreement.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this report. The Commission is currently looking to ‘modernise’ the existing FTA pillar of the 2002 EU-Chile Association Agreement. This is an own-initiative report to give the recommendations before the commencement of negotiations.While the outcome of the resolution has been surprisingly progressive in terms of strong paragraphs on sustainable development, indigenous rights, public services, the environment, and respect for labour and human rights agreements as well as gender equality, the inclusion of an Investment Court System (ICS) means we cannot support it. The resolution calls directly, in a number of paragraphs, for the inclusion of an ICS, lauding this as the solution to all problems associated with investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS). It also calls for the Commission to work towards the creation of a multilateral investment court – something we are completely against.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report. It is a significant improvement on the Commission text and I am in favour of the collection of high quality and reliable statistics across the EU. The report calls for collection of statistics that examine gender disparities, the impact of globalisation, and crucially, to distinguish consistently between full-time and part-time employment. It also inserts that statistics must be used for the goal of reaching the UN SDGs and the Paris climate goals.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on this report, which amends the Commission proposal that aims to loosen requirements for entry of investors into the two types of funds named in the title, VCFs and SEFs. This is part of the promotion of private finance for funding in the capital markets union project and the VCFs at least are part of the shadow banking system.I abstained (instead of voting against) as the report aims to retain significant aspects of the existing features of the funds regarding regulation and entry requirements that the Commission wants to loosen, and it also aims to lower the entry requirement for SEFs from EUR 100 000 to EUR 50 000 which will actually have a practical positive impact on the social and solidarity economy, which often struggles to gain access to funding.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained on this report. We do not support the current CFP or delegating more influence to the European Commission, when comes to fisheries we support regionalisation and a balance between the small scale industry and the environment.We believe that large scale industrialised fishing has had a detrimental impact on stocks and the environment which is why we did not vote against the file, but abstained.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this report. On 5 July 2016, the Commission published a legislative proposal to help strengthen the security and defence capabilities of the partner countries with the Instrument for Stability. As part of the EU’s new generation of instruments for financing external action, the instrument contributing to stability and peace focuses on crisis response, crisis preparedness, conflict prevention and peace-building. Its aim is to enable the EU to finance out of its own budget both training activities and the supply of equipment to the security forces of third countries.When it comes to budgetary repercussions the follow-up to this initiative will be considered during discussions on the post-2020 MFF and the mid-term review of EU external funding instruments, which is being prepared for December 2017.I am opposed to the Common Security and Defence Policy of the EU and any kind of financing of the EU external actions as a part of the EU foreign policy, so I voted against.

2016/11/22

. – This report aims to address the fact that powerful lobbies have privileged access to the decision-making process in the European Union, and therefore exert much greater influence than ordinary citizens, by enhancing the integrity and transparency of EU institutions, granting citizens more access to information and ensuring independent oversight against conflicts of interests.The report argues that the growing distance between the EU and its citizens is to a large extent due to the huge imbalance between the influence of powerful business interests and that of citizens in the EU decision-making process.To narrow this distance, the report contains a long list of proposals to enhance transparency, accountability and integrity and to set the highest possible standards in these areas. It is the most far-reaching report to be adopted in committee and it is been a long fight to reach this point as conservative political Groups have opposed many of these measures.The original draft report included very ambitious standards and innovations, including an independent ethics committee, obligatory legislative footprint and cooling-off period for former MEPs. These three proposals were watered-down or abandoned during negotiation, but the final report remains a step forward, and we therefore voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained on this report. Erasmus+ is the EU programme in the fields of education, training, youth and sport for the period 2014—2020. Education, training, youth and sport can make a major contribution to help tackle socio-economic changes, the key challenges that Europe will be facing until the end of the decade and to support the implementation of the European policy agenda for growth, jobs, equity and social inclusion. 2017 is the year of the 30th anniversary of Erasmus programmes. The CULT committee decided to table an oral question, accompanied with a Resolution, in order to underline the future challenges that the programme will encounter post 2020.The text refers to the Erasmus+ Programme and education in general, as tools to increase the competitiveness of European economy and to enhance the employability of the participants. It also suggests the establishment of stronger links between education and training and the business community. The Erasmus Programme itself promotes a Student Loan Guarantee Facility, which would indebt students before graduation and therefore we abstained.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report. This file concerns the establishment of a European Common Aviation Area with Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Macedonia, Iceland, Montenegro, Norway, Romania, Serbia, and Kosovo. These states will have access to the EU aviation market, after ongoing the transitional period. A condition of this agreement includes the states aligning with the standards of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), by applying uniform application of safety rules, and also on air traffic management. The agreement contains specific protocols accommodating for specific needs of each country joining the ECAA. The agreement was entered into in 2006 and this report now concerns receiving the consent of the European Parliament. Since 2006, the agreement has led to substantial economic benefits for air travellers and the aviation industry, with passenger numbers and number of carriers between the EU and the Western Balkans states increasing significantly. Bulgaria, Croatia and Romania have also become Member States since the initial signing of the agreement. Therefore, we voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this file, which is subjecting acryloylfentanyl to control measures and is not subject to particular political controversy.Acryloylfentanyl has been available in the EU since April 2016 and has been detected in six Member States. Forty-seven deaths associated with the substance have been reported by three Member States, together with 20 acute intoxications.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this report. There are and will continue to be strong links between India and different European nations.However, this report goes beyond acknowledging existing links between Europe and India. There is a strong securocrat focus to this report with calls for greater cooperation between the EU and India in areas such as defence, security, and migration.Overall the report’s focus is on EU geopolitical aims and strengthening links with India in this regard. We do not support attempts by the EU to further militarise its international relations policies, we oppose all attempts to give the EU a greater role in directing Member States’ foreign policy.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report. This related to supporting regions of Italy which were affected by earthquakes in August 2016 and January 2017. The EU Solidarity Fund will contribute to much needed regeneration and building works that can commence in communities across the regions which suffered so much destruction.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this measure to amend the budget No 4/2017 and allow funds to be released to Italy which will help to rebuild the regions devastated by the earthquakes which occurred in Italy in August 2016 and January 2017.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this application for the mobilisation of the EU Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) in order to provide assistance to 1 248 employees employed directly and through sub-contractors in Finland who have been made redundant by Nokia as a result of the company’s decision to move their operations elsewhere. The EGF provides assistance for retraining and job-search activities for employees laid off in large-scale retrenchments arising from globalisation.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained on this report. The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) adopted a global Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), under which aircraft operators that are in excess of baseline emissions will be required to purchase offsets in order to achieve carbon neutrality from international civil aviation from 2021. The scheme is developed to achieve sustainable growth for aviation and halving CO2 emissions by 2050, compared to 2005 levels. It is also not a very robust scheme, covering only 25% of aviation international’s emissions, and it allows unregulated growth until 2020. Like in the Emissions Trading Scheme, by purchasing offsets there is a commercialisation of emissions rather than a limit on them, which we don’t support as it has proven ineffective at reducing emissions. However, since it is a small step forward in a sector where not much progress is being made in relation to cutting emissions, we did not vote against but abstained.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this technical report on redesigning the EU residence visa format for third country nationals so that it contains more security features to prevent forgery.The uniform format for residence permits which is currently used dates from the late 1990s and the latest update took place in 2008.The new format contains additional security features to combat forgery but does not entail more obligations or more data to be given by the third country nationals who benefit from a residence permit.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this objection. Total diet replacement products are formulated for overweight or obese adults who want to achieve weight reduction. The Commission is empowered to adopt specific compositional and labelling requirements applicable to TDR for weight control products. This delegated regulation updates the existing rules, particularly in relation to the energy content.The draft measure is objected on the grounds that the Commission’s delegated act will fail to ensure a high level of public health and consumer safety by failing to take into account what impact the new compositional requirements will have on the acceptability and palatability of the TDR products, together with possible impacts caused by restricting information to consumers (because there cannot be a health claim on these products). These products should clearly not be actively marketed with claims likely to attract the general population, as they have a very limited energy content. We support the regulation so voted against the objection.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this objection. The draft measure provides that an authorisation should be granted to products containing, consisting of, or produced from genetically modified soybean. This is a standard GM objection, based on Rule 106 grounds. It lambasts the GM authorisation procedure as in earlier objections, stating that it is inappropriate and contrary to the precautionary principle to continue to propose authorising new GMO varieties. This resolution was adopted unanimously in committee.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this objection. The Commission’s draft implementing regulation strips back checks on food and feed coming from prefectures in Japan around Fukushima without making known the analysis on which the proposal is based. It deletes certain foodstuffs from Annex II meaning there is no longer a requirement to sample and analyse those products on entry into the Union and no explanation is given for why these food and feed items are safe enough to import. This is a 106 objection stating that the draft implementing regulation exceeds implementing powers provided for in the regulation, that it is not consistent with union law and asks the Commission to withdraw it and submit a new draft to the committee. It calls for emergency measures pending the drafting of the new proposal. Since the data became available, the MFR calls for the analysis on which the proposal was based to be made public and a thorough up-date on the radiological situation in Japan since 2011.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this and were happy to support the releasing of an extra EUR 500 m towards reducing youth unemployment across Europe through new measures. Sinn Fein has supported the Youth Employment Initiative but criticised the amount of funds involved as being inadequate. This is part of an additional EUR 1.2 billion committed over the years 2017-2020. In Ireland, youth unemployment remains almost double the overall representative figure so any progressive measures to reduce this are welcome. It is now the responsibility of Member States to draw down this funding and use it in an effective way.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained on this report. The report’s stated purpose of limiting arms sales is an important area that all Member States need to take action on.However, this report calls for action within the framework of the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy.We abstained due to the fact that while we fully support the aim of limiting arms sales, this report also seeks to give the EU a greater role in controlling the foreign policy of individual Member States.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against in this report as it supports expanding further exploitative free trade deals between the EU and Latin America, while also promoting the view that the EU should aim to exert more political influence in Latin America so as to protect their geopolitical power.The report condemns the democratically—elected government of Venezuela while making no reference to the role of the US sanctions against Venezuela, its concerted destabilisation attempts against the government there, and its support for the violent Venezuelan opposition. It also calls for the EU to try to use relations with Cuba to force Cuba to adopt reforms favoured by the EU.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report. This report looks at the impact corruption has on human rights abuses globally and calls on Member States to do more to tackle the problems of corruption and calls for the EU to ensure that anti-corruption measures are applied to EU aid.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report which requests that immunity be waived for a French Front National MEP. French police searched the FN Headquarters in February 2016 and seized a number of documents belonging to the treasurer. Subsequently a judicial investigation and European Parliament investigation were launched. The waiver would allow these investigations to continue.The allegations are that 16 MEPs are using Parliament funds to employ 20 Assistants who are actually working for the national party. This has been ascertained due to their names appearing in national hierarchical plans, working from the FN headquarters, not having contact with MEPs and other documents. As the legal conditions for upholding the waiver have been met, I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report. This agreement merely gives EU produce with geographical indicators (such as Brie, Champagne, Feta, Armagh Bramley Applies, Connemara Hill Lamb, Waterford Blaa) the same protection in Iceland as they have in the EU, and vice versa. This means that products are protected from imitation to preserve local production methods distinguishing natural features.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour. The European Free Trade Area rules ensure free movement of goods between the EU and Iceland, with the exception of agricultural and fisheries products which are subject to tariff rate quotas (TRQs) via a separate agreement reached in 2015. Under this agreement, TRQs are to be reviewed every 2 years, which is what is happening here. The new TRQs were agreed in an exchange of letters, which is why the text could not be amended.As a member of the EEA, Iceland already implements all EU legislation on foodstuffs, veterinary matters and other feed and food chain issues (authorisation, labelling and traceability).

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on this report, which describes the current state of the franchising business model in the EU, proposing improvements for the Commission and Member States to put into action.Overall, it is a good report as it calls on the Commission and Member States to better defend the interests of franchisees: by promoting franchisee associations, calling for better pre-contractual information, calling for a public consultation on unfair practices in the sector, calling for the introduction of guidelines on franchising contracts, and calling on Member States to develop contact points to better receive complaints from the sector. However, due to aspects of the report which implied that more economic powers should be transferred to the Commission from Member States, I did not vote in favour but abstained.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report. The report has a strong emphasis on security and defence. The report calls for the Commission to analyse synergies between EU space programmes and the EU Common Security and Defence Policy. The report ‘recognises the growing significance of space and space-based technologies in security and defence operations, particularly in communications, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, including border and maritime surveillance’. The report also asks for an increased space budget in the upcoming MFF review. Therefore, considering the defence and budgetary aspects, I voted against this report.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report. The report says that distance education is a method of teaching which offers flexibility in learning through the use of emerging technologies, not as a replacement to on-campus education, but as an alternative for learners who are unable to participate in on-campus education. What is more, the report describes academic further education as education at an academic institution which is often pursued parallel to a full-time job, generally building on professional experience and usually requiring a university degree.Academic further and distance education are considered important tools in providing educational opportunities for all without discrimination by country, region, class, age or gender. The report states that the enhancement of academic further and distance education should be part of the effort for continuous improvement of the quality of education by the EU.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report. This report aims to repeal obsolete regulation in the sector of inland waterways and road haulage. Regulation (EEC) No 1101/89 on reducing over-capacity on inland waterway fleets ceases to apply due to more recent legislation. Regulation (EC) No 2888/2000 distributed permits granted by Switzerland to heavy goods vehicles, which has no longer been necessary since 2005. Regulation (EC) No 685/2001 lays down rules between EU and Bulgaria and Romania concerning passage of goods via road, which is no longer necessary since Bulgaria and Romania joined the EU. Therefore, for the purpose of clarity in EU law, I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this file. This file aims to promote internet connectivity in local communities by funding free Wi-Fi hotspots in public spheres, including outdoor public spaces and building, libraries, transport hubs, and local SMEs. Importantly, the rollout of the scheme will be allocated on a ‘first—come, first—served basis’, but with a provision to prioritise rural areas, especially those that do not currently have an adequate level of connectivity. This is a positive report that will give rural areas the opportunity to avail themselves of internet connectivity funding. Therefore, I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report. While this file is supposedly to deal with a shortage of gas supply, in case of any future crises, the report would give undue power to the Commission. The report promotes a harmonised EU energy market. It aims to liberalise the market and provide alternatives in Member States, such as Ireland, which are dependent on a single supplier.While the file aims to identify ‘protected customers’ such as households, it also includes some businesses which use gas for ‘industrial use’, which could be prioritised over households. Member States would take part in risk assessments and ways to coordinate supply on a cross—border nature. Regional risk assessments would be peer-reviewed and approved by the Commission.The Commission would have a large role in this intention to prevent a supply crisis, including Member States being required to notify the Commission of any change, conclusion or amendment of supply contracts. The Commission would have all the information to oversee the internal gas market and its functioning. As this report pushes for extra powers for the Commission and creation of a more harmonised and liberalised integrated internal EU energy market, I voted against.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this resolution as we believe commercial whaling, that does not constitute aboriginal subsistence whaling, should be more controlled.

2016/11/22

. – This report deals with the EU’s accession to the Istanbul Convention of the Council of Europe on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence. It has been signed by the EU, and by all Member States, but many Member States, including the Irish state, have yet to ratify the Convention. The Convention recognises violence against women as a human rights violation. By joining the Convention, the EU reaffirms its commitment to tackling this issue.The report urges Member States to speed up ratification of the Istanbul Convention, for Member States to allocate resources to prevent and combat gender-based violence, to compensate victims and provide training for professionals dealing with the victims of violence. The report also calls for a change in attitude and behaviours, and to combat sexism and stereotyped gender roles, including in the sphere of advertising and media. It calls for measures to address new forms of crime such as revenge pornography, sex-extortion, grooming, and to protect victims. The paper also places emphasis on the responsibility of Member States to provide proper sex education and access to information. Overall, this is a very progressive and important report and I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this very good report, which focuses on inequitable distribution of the benefits of trade and calls for enshrining social and environmental chapters, and increased transparency and accountability, in agreements and global value chains (GVCs). It identifies the risk of companies operating in the EU being involved through GVCs in human and labour rights abuses, environmental damage and tax fraud.It calls for the Commission to promote mandatory supply chain due diligence and transparency requirements, building on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, within the WTO. It also calls for the Commission to promote within the WTO minimum health and safety standards, recognising in particular workers’ right to establish safety committees, a social protection floor and respect for ILO labour standards, and the right to collective bargaining.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained on this vote, while we fully support the cessation of membership negotiations in light of the ongoing human-rights abuses in Turkey.We did not vote in favour as there were aspects of the report which supported Turkey’s role as a strategic partner in stopping refugees from entering Europe, and a call for the continuation of the readmission agreement despite the ongoing human-rights violations in Turkey.We also could not support those aspects of the report which condemn the Kurdish people. The Turkish state has a long history of violence against the Kurdish population, pre-dating the current crisis which has again seen widespread repression of Kurds. In the light of this oppression it is wholly inappropriate to attempt to apportion blame to the Kurdish people for the current situation in Turkey.

2016/11/22

. – This vote was on a resolution to create a new temporary special committee on combatting terrorism. We voted against it, as a special European Parliament terrorism committee will do little to counter the threats facing Europe.The Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee and the Security and Defence Subcommittee already have a counter-terror remit. A specific terrorism committee would also open the way to greater EU militarisation and the creation of a ‘Fortress Europe’.Instead of more anti-terror laws taking away civil liberties, the existing frameworks and laws should be used more efficiently in order to combat terror. In particular, the most efficient and productive way to deal with threats is through national authorities cooperating and collaborating, under strict human-rights and accountability frameworks and with properly resourced public services.The EU was founded to protect civil rights and prevent the spread of conflict, and we will now work with progressive MEPs to ensure that this committee does nothing to erode the ordinary citizen’s civil liberties in the name of fighting terror.

2016/11/22

. – This report is a proposal is to establish a new financial instrument, following the Juncker plan model, in order to try to generate private funding in addition to EU funds. It claims it is for ‘sustainable development’ in developing countries, but in reality it also proposes to link or further integrate the EU’s external aid with ‘migration control’. We voted against as we strongly believe development aid needs to be entirely separate from migration and security measures.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report because it ensures access to special works for those who are blind, visually impaired or have any other visual disability/impairment. Access to these works are essential for those who need them; any alterations made to the work are to make it more user-friendly, are only done when and if necessary, and should be permitted for use to benefit those mentioned above.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report as it also helps those who are blind, visually impaired or otherwise print disabled to have greater access to works that will benefit them. The cross-border exchange of these works means that there is greater access to different languages and format types and this will hopefully result in greater availability for those who need them, along with more diversity in the works that can be accessed.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report, which aims to speed up and harmonise the process of resolving disputes over double taxation that arise under double taxation treaties (i.e., where a company is taxed twice on the same income in two countries that have a double taxation treaty in place). Its goal is to remove ‘barriers’ for investment and deepen the integration of the Single Market. It sets very short timelines for dispute resolution, halving the time frames in the Commission proposal. I tabled amendments aimed at improving transparency, which try to ensure that the final decisions of the dispute resolution bodies are published in their entirety, but these were not supported by a majority. Because of this lack of transparency, and because I believe the short time frames called for by the report may be unworkable, I voted against.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report. The EU aims to be a frontrunner for the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and their associated targets for 2030. The EU’s response includes two streams: mainstreaming the SDGs in European policy framework and current Commission priorities, and launching reflection on further developing a longer-term vision and the focus on sectoral policies after 2020.This report focuses largely on improving the sustainability of today’s farming and husbandry methods and brings to light its connection with loss of biodiversity and the production of greenhouse gases. The report aims to better SDGs across all policy areas and touches on issues ranging from culture to biofuels to gender equality. Despite attempts from the ECR and EPP Groups to significantly reduce the impact of this report, it is positive overall and leads Europe towards a more sustainable direction.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of a report on promoting cohesion and development in the outermost regions of the EU. The outermost regions have a specific status giving to the Union the legal capacity to adapt its policies, programmes and law to these regions. This report assesses how EU policies can be tailored to suit the Outermost Regions. It calls for the promotion of sustainable farming by supporting important production (e.g. bananas and sugar) in times of crises. The report also calls for increased sustainable small-scale fishing in the regions, as well as providing necessary adjustments in all areas for ORs to have access to EU funding streams.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this recommendation on this draft Council decision. The Kigali Amendment adds hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) to the list of substances regulated by the Montreal Protocol and amends the applicable articles in the Protocol accordingly. HFCs were brought in as alternatives to chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which have been the main subject of the Montreal Protocol. While the Montreal Protocol significantly reduced CFCs, the side effect of this was the increasing use of HFCs. This amendment aims to curb rising HFC levels and gives a number of targets to be reached. This amendment updates this important protocol and is an important step in tackling climate change.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this recommendation of this draft Council decision. This vote gives consent to the Council to accept, on behalf of the EU, an amendment to the Gothenburg Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRATP). This Protocol aims to reduce acidification, eutrophication and ground-level ozone by setting emissions ceilings for certain compounds. Some of the technical annexes of this protocol were revised in 2012 with updated sets of emission limit values. It also includes emission reduction commitments for fine particulate matter. It aims to reduce particulate matter, including black carbon, otherwise known as soot. To make these reduction targets binding, the amendments have to be ratified by Parties to the Convention. The report was adopted in the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) by an overwhelming majority.

2016/11/22

. – From 1996 until last year, relations between the EU and Cuba were governed by the EU’s ‘Common position’, which imposed a state of exception on Cuba under the pretext of defending ‘human rights and democracy’, and mirrored US attempts to undermine the Cuban Government and system. This policy was not only unjust, it was also a total failure. It had no impact on Cuban politics, and despite its self-imposed restrictions the EU as a whole has become Cuba’s main customer and main supplier. There is also now a worldwide consensus on the need to lift restrictions on Cuba, and in recent years the US itself has begun to build renewed relations with Cuba.Between 2014 and 2016, a Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (PDCA) was negotiated between the EU and Cuba that defines the principles and objectives of the developing EU / Cuba relationship.This vote was to a consent motion to validate the decision of the Commission and the Council, and to make the implementation of the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement possible. I therefore voted in favour of this motion.

2016/11/22

. –From 1996 until last year, relations between the EU and Cuba were governed by the EU’s ‘Common position’, which imposed a state of exception on Cuba under the pretext of defending ‘human rights and democracy’, and mirrored US attempts to undermine the Cuban Government and system. This policy was not only unjust, it was also a total failure. Between 2014 and 2016, a Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (PDCA) was negotiated between the EU and Cuba that defines the principles and objectives of the developing EU / Cuba relationshipWhile I voted in favour of the official consent motion, I could not support this report, which is an ‘own initiative report’ and does not affect the new agreement. I vote against it because it amounts to blatant interference in Cuba’s sovereignty and self-determination, much like the former ‘Common position’ did.The resolution was originally quite good, and focused on the positive, collaborative aspects of the new agreement, but it was amended by right-wing MEPs determined to interfere in Cuba’s self-determination and self-governance. I therefore voted against this report.

2016/11/22

. – This file was a recommendation on adopting a directive fighting fraud to the Union’s financial interests by using criminal law. According to a 2010 Commission report, suspected fraud amounts to approximately EUR 600 million per year on the revenue and expenditure side, despite the existing legal framework. It can be assumed that the actual amount is much higher, and action on this is indeed needed.The Commission sees this directive as a tool to defend taxpayers’ money in the most efficient way, making use of all possibilities offered by the EU Treaties, and has complained about the variety of rules and consequently often diverging levels of protection within Member States’ national legal systems.However, this directive is intended to provide a single framework that a future European Public Prosecutor’s Office would operate within, and it therefore represents a significant development in the creation of a European area of criminal justice. I am opposed to an EPPO, and this directive is there clearly encroaching on Member States’ competencies and sovereignty. I therefore voted in favour of an amendment that rejected the recommended directive.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this resolution which calls on the Commission and Member States to develop a comprehensive EU Policy Framework addressing HIV/AIDS, TB and Viral Hepatitis. It calls for resource mobilisation to ensure the level of spending is adequate. The approach it advocates is community-focused through multi-sectoral cooperation, ensuring that services arrive to the affected populations. It also calls for more investment in research and cross-border co-operation. Overall, this is a good motion for a resolution, especially because it is patient-focused and aims to have greater access to preventive measures, testing and treatment for HIV/AIDS, TB and Hepatitis C.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against the joint motion on the Commission Work Programme tabled by the conservative and liberal groups (EPP, ECR and ALDE) and in favour of progressive amendments to the resolution. The conservative resolution endorses the Commission’s approach of developing plans for the deepening and completion of the Economic and Monetary Union based on permanent austerity, and its new drive to dismantle the limited financial regulation that was enacted after the crisis. In addition to endorsing the failed economics of permanent austerity, the conservatives also promote militarisation of the EU and measures that violate the human rights of refugees.

2016/11/22

. – I voted to abstain on this report. The EU budget contributes to many important funding streams for community groups, NGOs and public services throughout Member States. We acknowledge that the EU budget lines are vital in supporting these. That said, there are also many flaws in the spending of the budget with not enough concentration towards people and so we are highly critical of this spending when it could be concentrated so much more appropriately. We will work towards delivering a fairer and more targeted budget for 2018 which insulates us against Brexit and maintains priority lines for Ireland.

2016/11/22

. – Broadly speaking, this report has many positive aspects. It takes into account that culture rights are human rights and respects them in general.However, this report asks the EU to closely collaborate with all those ‘states that share its goals and values and are prepared to act in their support’ and stresses that ‘this is particularly important in order to establish a legitimate and stable action for the EU to be recognised as a “global player”’. As Sinn Féin does not support a common EU Foreign Policy we voted against this own-initiative report.We should not undermine the fact that reports such as this one can sometimes use language that is endorsing a common security policy – this is a Member State competency and not a European one and therefore we voted against.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on this vote. While some important global human rights issue were highlighted the recommendation did not highlight any human rights abuses carried out by Western states or their allies. I find it unacceptable that particular political groups would use the selective highlighting of human rights issue to score political points.Furthermore this recommendation called for a greater role for the EU as an institution within the UN. As all EU Member States are UN members this would represent a greater surrendering of sovereignty to the EU.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this motion as it was heavily focused on entrepreneurship, the single market and expressed opposition to ‘costly’ regulation as well as supporting a Commission lead strategy. This commitment to the economic status quo ignores the hard lessons which should have been learnt from the crisis of neoliberal economics, and will not benefit ordinary Europeans. The motion also supported free trade between the global north and the global south while ignoring the unbalanced and unequitable nature of this trade relationship.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this motion. The dire economic situation in Kosovo has severe negative implications for ordinary Kosovars. Allowing Kosovo to participate in EU framework programmes does not change Kosovo’s current relations with EU Member States or other Balkan States, but it will benefit the lives of ordinary Kosovars.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report. 339 Spanish miners were made redundant in January 2017 as a result of reduced demand, which can be attributed to lower prices due to imports from other countries. 125 NEET (not in employment, education or training) places will be funded from this assistance for former employees under 30. Ireland has benefited from this funding in previous years. We were happy to give our support.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this own-initiative single-vote report by the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) that addresses European standards on products in the EU. Standards in this case are voluntary technical requirements to implement legal norms towards health, safety and the environment. The report aims to enhance the transparency of the standardisation process. The report is inclusive to all stakeholders with a particular focus on SMEs and societal stakeholders. The report aims to provide sufficient funds for SMEs and those less represented in the standardisation process. The report expresses concern about the different quality of testing institutions and the need to create transparency for consumers in this regard.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report regarding covered bonds, which are a financial instrument. A covered bond is a derivative, a security created from public sector loans or mortgage loans where the security is backed by a separate group of loans. This own-initiative report is a response to the Commission’s capital markets union initiative which aims at developing capital markets (as opposed to traditional banking) in the EU by harmonising national frameworks for securities and other financial instruments.We are opposed to the entire capital markets union project as it promotes the high-risk instruments that caused the financial crisis. Covered bonds have developed in each state based on specific characteristics of the market in that state.There is a good aspect of this report, which criticises the Commission’s proposal for mandatory harmonisation as it may lead to unintended consequences. But it is also aimed at promoting these instruments, which justifies a vote against. The report calls for these debt instruments to be rebranded as ‘European Secured Notes’, which would clearly create the perception of low risk in the market.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report, as it focuses on the importance of diversification in the context of fisheries and tourism-related activities. It acknowledges the pivotal role that small-scale, traditional and artisanal fisheries have in local and peripheral communities and also the role that environmentally unique areas – i.e. Natura 2000 reserves – have in attracting tourism, which can be utilised by facilitating dual licensing of small-scale local fishermen in chartering vessels and operating excursions for tourism-related activities.The report also calls on the Commission and the Council to recognise the role played by women in the fishing tourism sector, and in the sustainable development of areas that depend on fishing, with the aim of guaranteeing their participation on equal terms.It also addresses the marginalisation of the industry at local level, not to mention the integral role of fisheries in peripheral coastal regions and the need for traditional fisheries communities to be given incentives and support to enable them to diversify in order to address their decline.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report which comes as part of a European movement towards a European Area of Justice. While Sinn Féin supports reports on the mutual recognition of certain legal documents, this report went much further. It proposes a common European limitation period of four years for road traffic accidents. Although the rule would only apply to cross-border accidents to begin with, the report recommends countries adopting it across the board. The report does not take into consideration the legitimate reasons for differing limitation periods in different countries. These include differing ways of assessing liability, whether a right to litigate is extinguished or just lapses after a limitation period, as well as the different systems of compensation.Ireland will have an opt-out on this rule should the Commission decide to legislate.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this resolution, which calls for the creation of a Union Code of Civil Procedure. The report propagates a common civil justice system in the interests of business and economic growth, while completely ignoring the plurality of legal traditions existing in the EU. While some parts of the report try to spin the aim of ensuring equal access to the courts, it also self-asserts itself to be the ‘first step for convergence of national regulations concerning civil procedure’. It puts forward harmonised procedures which would directly contradict Irish common law precedent, including on the likelihood of success rules and service of documents.Rules on access to courts and the right to a fair trial are protected and enforced under the European Convention of Human Rights, the Charter of Fundamental Rights, as well as in national legislation and precedent. This report is part of the move towards a European Area of Justice, which Ireland has an opt-out on.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report, which was a proposal for the EU to give EUR 100 million to Moldova, 60% as loans and 40% as grants. Moldova is in a deep economic crisis, but it is also led by a government deeply affected by corruption. The report makes calls for the Commission to ensure the funds are not absorbed by corruption and money laundering by the oligarchy, but there are no guarantees in place to ensure this is the case. The report’s written justification also claims the EU should support the current Moldovan Government ahead of the 2018 elections, which amounts to political interference.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on this report on public country-by-country reporting (CBCR). This was a very important proposal regarding corporate tax transparency, which Sinn Féin are strongly in favour of. We have campaigned for this measure to be introduced, which is aimed at ending secrecy for large multinationals and making country—by—country financial reporting mandatory and public for these companies. The report originally proposed by the rapporteurs had been praised by anti-tax avoidance groups and development agencies.As a result of the public fury at multinationals, MEPs had worked to significantly improve the Commission’s proposal on CBCR by proposing that companies must report this financial information for each jurisdiction they operate in globally – not only EU or (future) blacklisted jurisdictions.Unfortunately, liberals and conservatives introduced a number of amendments aiming to limit disclosure for certain countries which will significantly weaken transparency, as multinationals will just shift profits to these jurisdictions where they don’t have to report their turnover, profit and tax figures in full so long as they claim this is due to ‘commercial sensitivity’. This loophole undermines the entire proposal, which caused me to abstain on the vote.

2016/11/22

. – This report proposes to extend trade preferences to Ukraine beyond the existing Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) which has been provisionally applied since 1 January 2016. The DCFTA has yet to be ratified by all EU countries, and it has been rejected in a non-binding referendum in the Netherlands. The proposal aims to give additional generous trade preferences to Ukraine despite the political and corruption problems there. The Commission submitted no impact assessment on the possible effects of those measure on the Ukrainian economy and on the affected sectors in the EU, nor did it submit a report on the use of the enormous loans granted to Ukraine. For these reasons I voted against.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report. Following the blocking of the adoption of the mid-term review by the authorities in the UK which has since been released, I was happy to support this measure and allow budget funds to start flowing again throughout the various programmes.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this own-initiative single-vote report by the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) that addresses how a longer and guaranteed lifetime of products would be beneficial to both consumers and companies. The report brings attention to the fact that consumer confidence in product robustness is extremely low, with some products deliberately designed to fault after a short period of time. The report contains positive aspects such as the need for product repair as an option rather than consumers’ continually having to repurchase, the potential for products to be leased from the supplier rather than bought, and notes the environmental benefits created from products with a longer lifetime.

2016/11/22

. – This report looks at how to deal with both the prosecution and prevention of the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. It focuses on the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the Rome Statute on the crime of aggression, as well as measures such as the ‘Responsibility to Protect’ doctrine.While there are many good aspects to the report, and I fully support action to prevent serious human rights violations, the report is problematic in several important aspects. For example, it supports and promotes increased EU military action under the Common Security and Defence Policy, and promotes the ‘Responsibility to Protect’ doctrine, which has been used to provide dubious justification for military intervention, for example in Libya.It also uncritically promotes the use of sanctions, which – unless they are targeted – disproportionately hurt ordinary people and the vulnerable the most, and makes no mention of war crimes carried out by western powers or their allies. These and other problems with the report mean that – while I support Europe and the international community working harder to prevent war crimes, genocide and other crimes against humanity – I could not vote for the report. I therefore abstained.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this report because we do not believe that security and defence issues should be privatised or outsourced to military mercenaries.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report which addresses zero-hour contracts, bogus self-employment, involuntary part-time employment and failure to ensure decent living standards/rights in the workplace. Overall it is a good report that focuses on some current shortcomings in the workplace that need to be tackled.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this waiver of immunity for current leader of Front National, Marine Le Pen. On 3 May 2015 Ms Le Pen appeared on a TV broadcast and accused the Mayor and MP for Nice of financing Islamic organisations, charging mosques nominal rent, illegally funding mosques, having a religious-community ‘honeypot’, being an accomplice of jihadis, providing resources and assistance to Islamic fundamentalism and as a result being complicit in spreading and recruiting the same.Although there were some questions surrounding the speed at which this report came through Committee, Ms Le Pen had been invited and declined appearing before the committee on two occasions, as per the rules of procedure. Since her actions cannot be seen to be connected to her parliamentary duties I believe that French prosecutors should be allowed to open an investigation against her.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this motion which highlights the humanitarian crisis and human-rights violations caused by the ongoing war in Yemen. The motion highlights the worsening humanitarian situation caused by the conflict, including the blockading of Yemen’s ports, and also highlights the EU’s arms embargo on Saudi Arabia.Human-rights violations by all sides, including the use of child soldiers and the bombing of civilian areas are condemned. The motion also recognises that any long-term solution to the conflict has to be led by the Yemeni peoples, and calls on all sides to respect international human-rights standards.It is regrettable that this resolution did not go further and condemn the increasing incidence of US drone strikes and the role played by European arms exporters in fuelling conflict in Yemen.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report which sets out flexibilities for the non-ETS sector (transport, agriculture, construction) with regard to greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. While nothing in the report should prevent these sectors from achieving the targets set out in the Paris Agreement independently, flexibilities concerning the way land is used should set EU countries on track to a low-carbon economy.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of waiving the immunity of former Lithuanian President, and current MEP with the Order and Justice Party, Rolandas Paksas. Mr Paksas is accused of taking a bribe of EUR 15 000. This waiver will allow an investigation to commence in Lithuania.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this waiver of immunity for Mylène Troszczynski of Front National. Ms Troszczynski posted a photo on Twitter of a woman wearing the full veil queuing outside a Family Allowances Fund Office with a caption saying that wearing the full veil is prohibited by law. The photo had been forged from a photo in London. This waiver will allow French prosecutors to begin charging her for incitement to racial hatred.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this waiver of immunity for Jean-Marie Le Pen, founder of Front National in France. In 2009 Mr Le Pen went on a French Radio Programme and stated that 90% of incidents reported in the media were caused by immigrants.French Public Prosecutors are seeking to launch a criminal investigation into public incitement to racial hatred.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on this vote which was an objection to the Commission’s Delegated act on Greening. While Sinn Féin supported proposals to ban pesticides on Ecological Focus Areas, I completely disagreed with the manner in which Commissioner Hogan presented this review of Greening. Commissioner Hogan has made a habit of amending CAP in this way, completely side-lining the AGRI Committee and the normal legislative process. It is unacceptable that 14 empowerments were bundled into one Delegated Regulation and that Parliament’s right of scrutiny is null since it simply has to either accept or reject the bundle. For these reasons I abstained on the final vote.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained on this report, which aims to create a strategy to end the gender pension gap. The report is vague, lacks detail and promotes a problematic method of restructuring the pension system.It contains some good points, including recognising that the gender pension gap is the product of underlying causes such as the pay gap, the structuring of the pension system which favours length of work, and gender inequalities in the labour market when it comes to pay, career advancement, opportunities to work full time and the right to pension, as well as the right of migrant women to a pension. Negative elements, however, include proposing a wholesale move towards self-funded schemes as a way to reduce the gap, as well as amendments pointing towards raising the age of retirement. These are developments that we strongly oppose.Amendments passed in plenary, such as dulling-down the statistics on the gender pension gap, weakened the report even further. As we could not support these elements, we abstained in the vote.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained in this vote, the report refers to Serbia’s progress towards membership of the EU, which is an issue for the Serbian people to decide. The report notes Serbia’s progress towards this such as the achievement of the Maastricht criteria for budget deficit and progress on judicial reforms, and relations with Kosovo, however the report highlights the need for further protection of minority rights and for Serbia to further open its economy to the market and criticises Serbia’s relations with Russia while calling for Serbia to align with European defence policy. For these reason I abstained as I do not believe that the EU has the right to undermine sovereignty economic through forced market liberalisation or encouraging alignment with any particular foreign policy.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained in this vote. The continued promotion of peace and reconciliation in Kosovo is of vital importance to maintaining peace in the region. The report notes the severe economic problems in Kosovo and the polarisation of politics and urges greater cooperation between the Serb and Albanian communities. It condemns Serbian provocation while calling for the protection of the civil liberties of Kosovo Serbs. However, the report calls for Kosovo to align with the EU Common Defence and Security Policy, and as a delegation we are opposed to the EU’s militarisation. For this reason we abstained in the final vote.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained in this vote, the name dispute between the Republic of Macedonia and Greece is not properly addressed. The report incorrectly dismisses the name issue as being a bilateral issue between Greece and Macedonia, this is contrary to UN resolutions on the subject. Beyond this the report calls for greater integration along ‘EU-Atlantic path’. The report notes the reforms made in civil governance and highlights the need for further reforms.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this Resolution which strongly regrets the fact that no progress has been made to call elections in Congo despite an agreement last winter to do so. The Resolution calls on the government to respect its duty to protect and promote fundamental freedoms, including the release of those unlawfully detained. It calls for the delivery of aid by humanitarian organisations and for an independent committee of inquiry to be set up under the UN to ensure perpetrators of violence, rapes and massacres are held to account. We voted in favour of a split amendment to remove the words ‘fully intervene’ with regard to the current UN mission since these words do not capture the fact that this mission is mandated with purely peace-keeping duties.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained on this motion for a resolution. The Sustainability Compact is due to end in Spring 2018 and the Commission wants to extend it. The Compact was established in July 2013 for continuous improvements in labour rights and factory safety in the Ready-Made Garment and Knitwear Industry in Bangladesh. It contains short and long-term commitments on labour rights, business conduct and health and safety. While the Compact has had some effect on safety and health at work, the situation in Bangladesh regarding labour rights has not improved substantially, for example, the arrests of trade union leaders.Compromise amendments at the INTA committee significantly diluted the call for binding legislation on due diligence that was passed in the Resolution of March 2017 on the Garment Sector Flagship initiative. The latest resolution rolls back on this call and even refers to ‘voluntary initiatives’, completely backtracking on the March resolution. To remedy this, and put this resolution back in line with the previous one, GUE, EFDD and the Greens proposed an amendment reaffirming the need for binding legislation and recognising the failure of previous voluntary initiatives. Given that this amendment did not pass, we abstained on the resolution as a whole.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report, which is on stateless people in South and Southeast Asia, with emphasis on the Rohingya, but also covering other stateless peoples. The report focuses on the need for the EU to use its relations with ASEAN countries to promote human rights protections, in line with the sustainable development goals, and to improve co-ordination on this issue in South/Southeast Asia. It contains many good points, such as the gendered role of statelessness, which adversely effects women, and the need for comprehensive case—by—case responses.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained in this vote, which set out Parliament’s position on the update of the Cross-Border Mergers Directive. Some progressive elements did make it into the report, including a couple of references to safeguarding workers’ rights and protections, and preventing undertakings from using the directive with the aim of transferring their registered office for wrongful fiscal, social or legal reasons. However, many other elements have been deleted by an EPP-ECR-ALDE alliance, leaving behind a very neoliberal report. There are calls for fast-track procedures for corporations, increased mobility of companies for competitiveness and numerous references to reducing ‘obstacles’ for companies, exemptions from procedural requirements, all making the progressive elements left behind seem fairly moot.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of the report. The Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) is a research project, under the implementation of Horizon 2020, to tackle the issues of water management and food production in the Mediterranean area. The members of PRIMA consists of EU Member States mostly deriving from the Mediterranean area, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Slovenia, and Spain but also non-EU Mediterranean countries, Israel, Tunisia, Turkey, Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Morocco. Project funding includes contribution by member countries of PRIMA, along with EU contribution under Horizon 2020.While we support this project, we strongly oppose Israel’s involvement in it – or in any other Horizon 2020 funded schemes – due to its appalling human rights abuses and occupation of Palestine. Israel’s ongoing theft of Palestinian water, and denial of safe drinking water to the citizens of Gaza, makes its involvement particularly outrageous.However, the overall report was very positive, affirming the right to safe and clean drinking water throughout the region. The initiative hopes to bring new ideas to and create sustainable agriculture production, with a commitment to social and environment friendly implementation. We therefore voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of the report. This report aims to bring clarity to consumers regarding the energy efficiency of products such as fridges, washing machines, dish washers and more. The energy labelling will inform consumers of how environmentally friendly a product is before purchasing. The current energy efficiency labelling consists of a scale from A to A++++, with A being the lowest level, this labelling is confusing and meaningless to consumers. The report proposes to rescale the labelling to a simple A-G format. As this is a positive development, we voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – On the European Capital of Cultures for the years 2020 to 2033, we voted in favour of the provisional agreement.The European Capital of Culture is a city designated by the European Union for a period of one calendar year during which it organises a series of cultural events.Each year the EC publishes an evaluation report on the outcomes of the European Capitals of Culture of the previous year. For the Capitals post—2019, the cities themselves will carry out their own evaluation and send it to the Commission by the end of the year following that of the title.A new framework for the initiative, post 2019, was adopted by the European Parliament and Council in April 2014. It includes the chronological list of Member States that can host the title from 2020 until 2033.The report is aiming to continue the programme further on till the year 2033.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this report. The report is an assessment of the implementation of Horizon 2020, a funding programme for research and development. The report assesses the development of the project and plans for the next stage of the project, Framework Programme 9.We have been strong supporters of Horizon 2020 and the research funding it provides. However, the assessment of the report contains an article aiming for a separate budget for defence research within the next phase of Horizon 2020, excluded from civilian research. We are entirely opposed to any escalation towards EU militarisation, and do not believe the EU should have a budget solely towards defence research.I support the benefits of the research funding provided by Horizon 2020, but do not favour giving funding towards defence research, and certainly not its own budget within Horizon 2020. Therefore, we voted against the report.

2016/11/22

. – We supported this file as it supported improving and safeguarding small-scale and artisanal fisheries and emphasising that there is a need for a definition of what small-scale, artisanal and traditional fisheries actually entails whilst also referring to their socio-economic role in their own communities. It also highlighted the importance of food sovereignty, traceability of products, the involvement of workers and fishermen organisations in the sector’s policies and the protection of fishers.From an environmental perspective it calls for better long-term management of resources, the use of more selective fishing gear therefore reducing non-targeted species, the creation of biological recovery periods based on the biological characteristics of the various species, and closure of some areas that could be nursery zones.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this waiver of immunity. Mr Kovács is accused of forging documents to commit budget fraud in relation to three fictitious traineeship contracts. He forged signatures and documentation in order to divert public money into his own account.This waiver means he will now face criminal charges for the deliberate misappropriation of funds in his home country of Hungary.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on this vote. It is a simple proposal to align the VAT rate on e-publications to the same rate as that of print publications, as the current system is discriminatory against e-publications. There is nothing wrong with that per se but it’s amending the broader VAT Directive which is definitely problematic as it reduces tax-setting rights from Member States. For this reason I did not vote in favour of the report but abstained.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on this report. The report promotes internet connectivity but with the aim of increasing ‘growth’ by promoting competiveness for business. The report is market-orientated in its intent. There is no sufficient strategy as to how to tackle the digital divide and ensure that connectivity reaches rural communities, considering the mistakes of the EU’s previous implementation of 4G. Furthermore, the report does not stress technological neutrality, therefore the freedom of companies to use the technologies available as suitable to their specific needs and requirements. However, as we support improved internet connectivity, I did not vote against but abstained due to some of the problems outlined above.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report which criticises the low ratification rate by Member States of the Hague Convention which contains protections for vulnerable adults. Among the calls are for rules that would enable the recognition and enforcement of decisions between Member States for the protection of vulnerable adults. The file is related to cross-border and freedom of movement issues for these individuals, and will go a long way to ensuring fair protection.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report, which proposes to deepen the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area with Ukraine, which has been provisionally applied since last year though not yet ratified by all EU Member States, despite the fact there has been no impact assessment and no acknowledgement of corruption in Ukraine.

2016/11/22

. – This report supports the introduction of a new uniform format for visas in the EU. The current uniform format is over 20 years old, out of date, and therefore is no longer secure. Under the existing Schengen arrangements, Ireland and Britain have the ability to opt in to have access to the security features.A similar ‘hybrid’ regulation was initially proposed for the new system; however, the Commission’s Legal Service has determined that the proposed changes constitute a development of the Schengen acquis , meaning that this kind of opt-in is not possible for the new format.A compromise position was eventually reached that would allow Ireland and Britain to access the relevant security information for use in national visa stickers systems. I therefore voted in favour of this report.

2016/11/22

. – The EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) was established in 2007 to provide relevant EU organisations with assistance and advice on fundamental rights issues. The thematic areas of activity for the Agency are determined every five years through a Multiannual Framework (MAF), with annual programmes determined by the Management Board within these parameters. The current MAF expires at the end of this year.In the draft MAF for 2018-2022, the Council refused to propose that police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters be covered, thereby preventing the FRA from covering fundamental rights in these areas. Both the Management Board of the FRA, and the European Parliament, supported inclusion of these matters in the scope, but rather than block the adoption of the new MAF, which would prevent the FRA from functioning past the end of the year, it was decided to propose a joint motion for resolution clearly stating the Parliament’s position in favour of including these areas.I therefore voted in favour of this report, as well as the joint resolution.

2016/11/22

. – The EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) was established in 2007 to provide relevant EU organisations with assistance and advice on fundamental rights issues. The thematic areas of activity for the Agency are determined every five years through a Multiannual Framework (MAF), with annual programmes determined by the Management Board within these parameters. The current MAF expires at the end of this year. In the draft MAF for 2018-2022, the Council refused to propose that police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters be covered, thereby preventing the FRA from covering fundamental rights in these areas.Both the Management Board of the FRA, and the European Parliament, supported inclusion of these matters in the scope, but rather than block the adoption of the new MAF, which would prevent the FRA from functioning past the end of the year, it was decided instead by most political Groups to propose this joint motion for resolution clearly stating Parliament’s position in favour of including police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters in the coming MAF. This is a clear expression of opposition to the Council’s refusal to include these in the coming MAF.I therefore voted in favour of this resolution.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report, which discusses the digitalisation of European industries. The report promotes the digitalisation of industries, and making use of available technologies. It stresses benefits such as improved efficiency and productivity. While promoting digitalisation the report has a heavy focus on workers’ rights, and on the need to encourage digitalisation in a way that is compatible with existing concerns in the labour market. Digitalisation can produce beneficial working conditions and enhance a desirable work-life balance. The report contains a strong call to take into account workers’ interests in the development of any strategy to address technological changes by the EU. The report speaks of the need to monitor any disruption that digitalisation may have on the workforce, and to listen to the response of trade unions.

2016/11/22

. – The Consensus on Development is an inter-institutional document intended to guide the work of the three institutions in the field of development policies. The text from 2005 is currently being updated; however, the Committee text and some Member States disgracefully used the opportunity to link development aid and policies to reduce poverty to migration control, security objectives and foreign policy needs. For these reasons we abstained on the Committee text and voted in favour of an alternative text and amendments which state clearly that there can be NO conditionality between development assistance and migration issues. Unfortunately the EPP and Fine Gael’s text prevailed.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this resolution, which emphasises the complex nature of resilience in development policy. It includes positive provisions for gender, policies controlled by third-country governments, and the need to comply with international humanitarian law. However the resolution supports the European Union’s foreign and security policy, which Sinn Féin opposes as it violates Irish neutrality. I believe that development policies need to be entirely separate from defence and security policies.

2016/11/22

. – Sinn Féin is totally opposed to anti-Semitism and all other forms of racism and discrimination, and is concerned about the increase in anti-Semitic attacks in recent years. However, while we welcome the willingness to combat anti-Semitism that inspired this resolution, it also called for the adoption of a ‘working definition of anti-Semitism’ that is nebulous and problematic.In the lead-up to the vote, we received numerous emails from Jewish civil society organisations expressing their concerns with the definition, asking us to vote against it. We also received a legal opinion which pointed out that the definition could be interpreted in a way that would wrongly label legitimate criticism of Israel as “anti-Semitic”, and would actually make it more difficult to combat anti-Semitism successfully.There must be absolutely no acceptance of anti-Semitic abuse in our society or any other, and Sinn Féin will continue to actively oppose it, along with all forms of discrimination, racism and intolerance. However, legitimate criticism of Israel, and its ongoing breaches of international human rights law against the Palestinians, is not anti-Semitic, and must not be treated as such. We therefore abstained on this resolution.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this positive report that address fundamental issues when it comes to human activities on the oceans. It references overfishing as a serious threat to marine ecosystems, biodiversity, food security and the socio-economic sustainability of coastal communities.It also addresses the rising problems of climate change and ocean acidification. For people who are unfamiliar with ocean acidification it is the process by which emissions of carbon dioxide threaten to alter the very chemistry of the world’s oceans and has had a devastating impact. The Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia, the world’s largest coral reef, has suffered greatly from ocean acidification as it has caused coral bleaching which means that that the rest of world’s coral reefs are shrinking as they die.The resolution also emphasises the need for an ecosystem-based and precautionary approach to global fisheries management.However in the context of Sustainable Development Goal 14, there are significant aspects missing, such as fossil fuel and mineral prospecting and extraction, and references to small-scale, artisanal fisheries and the coastal communities, and I supported amendments to address these issues.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report, which was under the Parliament’s consent procedure. This report concerns the consent to be given for the Council to adopt a decision concluding the agreements and additional protocols to establish mechanisms for the alleviation of economic and social disparities within the European Economic Area (EEA). A new mechanism for the financial contributions of the EEA EFTA States and a new Norwegian financial mechanism should be established, to deal with youth unemployment among other social issues.

2016/11/22

. – The initial intention behind this report was to provide an in-depth analysis of what would be a good, balanced mix of support instruments in cohesion policy. EU cohesion funding has evolved over the years to include both grant-based assistance and financial instruments. The latter provide support in the form of microcredits, loans, guarantees, equity and venture capital.Unfortunately, the report focuses heavily on promoting the role of financial instruments, including mechanisms such as Public Private Partnerships and the European Fund for Strategic Investments, in future cohesion policy. While the report does acknowledge the central role of grants and public policy, the heavy emphasis throughout on financial instruments meant that we could not support it. We therefore abstained on the vote.

2016/11/22

. – This report evaluates the role of technical assistance in cohesion policy – the support and capacity-building activities necessary to help implement and monitor projects funded under that policy. In the context of the European structural and investment funds (ESI funds), technical assistance supports, among other measures, institutional strengthening and administrative capacity-building for the effective management of the funds, reducing excessive procedural complications, providing assistance for those Member States experiencing difficulties in implementing cohesion policy, and increasing information and transparency in monitoring cohesion-policy implementation.The procedures around cohesion policy are frequently too complicated, with bureaucratic burdens often replicated at several levels, causing unnecessary difficulties for the organisations carrying out the funded activities. We welcome the increased focus on removing these burdens, and therefore we voted in favour of this report.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this Regulation aimed at allowing consumers who pay for online content services to access this content when they cross borders. In practice, if you have an online music, games, film, entertainment or sports subscription in your Member State of residence, this Regulation will allow you to use it when you travel temporarily to another Member State. Although we had some concerns about the way content providers were to be able to determine consumers’ locations, we were happy with the inclusion of a paragraph that this data be immediately and irreversibly destroyed after verification. As Sinn Féin supports consumers being able to access content without undue restrictions such as geo-blocking, I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this report as we oppose elements of the Free Trade Agreement between the EU and South Korea, which promotes neoliberalism and undermines workers’ rights and public services for both parties.We voted in favour of amendments tabled by the GUE/NGL Group and the Greens which aimed to improve the text with regard, for example, to calling for the removal of references to an investor-state dispute mechanism (ISDS) and to the Trade in Services Agreement (TiSA), another international agreement which will be damaging for ordinary people. We also voted in favour of amendments calling for an end to repression against trade unionists in Korea.

2016/11/22

. – This resolution on the two-state solution in the Palestine-Israel conflict is badly imbalanced. It contains some positive elements (which Sinn Féin fought to have included) but we cannot ignore its pro-Israel bias. It frames the situation as an ordinary conflict, treating Israelis and Palestinians as equal actors, ignoring the role of the Occupation.It acknowledges Israel’s breaches of international law, illegal settlements and demolitions of Palestinian houses. But it ignores the daily repression and violence against Palestinians by the Israeli state and armed Israeli colonial settlers, and instead criticises Palestinian violence only. In other words, it blames the victim.The resolution also calls on EU Member States to ‘refrain from unilateral initiatives’. This could mean recognising the State of Palestine, supporting the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign, or even the recent French initiative. It effectively calls for Member States to hand over their foreign policy to the EU – something we cannot support. The resolution rightly criticises Israeli actions, and calls for renewed peace talks, but it is still too biased towards Israel, so we abstained.Sinn Féin will nonetheless continue to fight for a lasting – and just – peace settlement in the Middle East.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this report.The report favours increasing competitiveness in the road transport sector, and pushes for the harmonisation of road transport across the EU, thus preventing transport operators from adhering to national authorities’ legislation. A section on workers’ conditions does little to help workers and unrealistically claims that their main concern is a need for EU harmonisation.The report seeks to give companies greater freedom to operate cross-border, with little mention of the need for regulation. It also pushes the Commission to enforce the digitalisation of the road transport sector in the Member States. Other negative points include harmonising road tolls and advancing the standing of the European Traffic Police Network.For these reasons, we voted against the report.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on this resolution. The Kenyan Government is keen to close the Dabaab refugee camp but a court ruling deemed closure unconstitutional. The Kenyan Government believes it is a ‘launchpad for various Al-Shabaab terrorist attacks.’ I welcome the statement that relocation of the refugees is necessary and Member States have obligations. I welcome it emphasises the impact of climate change and how funds from ODA and EFD must be spent on ‘economic, human and social development’, not on security issues.However, the resolution contains militaristic undertones. There is a constant underlining of border control and security issues. While some split votes aim to delete the provisions calling for EU intervention, there remains a call for the EU and its Member States to bring stability to the country. It also calls for the EU Training Mission to Somalia to work closely with AMISOM and the Somali authorities improve border management. The report’s interventionist tone fails to condemn ‘voluntary’ repatriation in past years, and the Kenyan Government’s attempt to close the camp on ‘security’ grounds. This resolution does not properly address the rights of refugees.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this resolution, which urges EU Member States to act quickly to relocate and resettle migrants and refugees, particularly out of Italy and Greece, where many of them are currently.So far, only a small proportion of the 160 000 people deemed eligible for relocation have been resettled. This includes thousands of unaccompanied minors and other vulnerable people who are being kept in refugee camps that are unsuitable and unsafe. The resolution calls for their urgent relocation and resettlement, while also calling for the number eligible to be increased in order to meet the needs of the thousands of refugees currently left in limbo.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of the joint resolution, further supported by the majority of the political Groups in the House. The report is a positive initiative to assist the situation in Chechnya, and to protect the lives of LGBTI+ citizens living in the region. The report stresses the need to protect the human rights of LGBTI+ people, and the need for Russian authorities to investigate the situation.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report. Under the European Globalisation Fund (EGF) Finland is entitled to a financial contribution of EUR 2 641 800 due to this application.Finland submitted the application for a financial contribution from the EGF in November 2016 in the wake of 945 workers from Nokia Networks being made redundant. The EGF aims to provide support for workers made redundant and self-employed persons whose activity has ceased as a result of major structural changes in world trade patterns due to globalisation, as a result of a continuation of the global financial and economic crisis, or as a result of a new global financial and economic crisis, and to assist them with their reintegration into the labour market.

2016/11/22

. – This Report is an annual exercise on Institutional efforts towards subsidiarity and proportionality.The report makes good suggestions such as obliging the Commission to conduct systematic proportionality assessments, guidelines to facilitate more participation by national parliaments, extending the deadline for reasoned opinions from national parliaments in certain circumstances, ensuring that any reasoned opinions received are properly taken into account by the Institutions, more thorough explanations by the Commission of why EU legislation rather than national is pursued.The report also rightly criticises unsatisfactory analyses of subsidiarity and inadequate impact assessments on many occasions by the Commission.Despite these good elements, the report welcomes statements by some national parliaments that more Europe not less Europe is the way forward. As Sinn Féin disagrees with this statement and completely opposes its inclusion in a report while debates are ongoing on the Future of Europe are ongoing, we abstained on the final vote.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this report. FinTech is an industry of companies that use new technology to compete with traditional financial institutions and intermediaries in the provision of financial services. This report focuses on the need to enforce competitiveness in a globalised economy.There are serious problems in the report in that it disregards the risks to consumers. FinTech companies in the future are likely to request full access to the data of payment transactions of consumers; the experience of technology firms such as Google shows that customers agree to such conditions because they want to maintain their access to these services. This report provides no real protections for personal data and it barely mentions regulation of the industry.

2016/11/22

. – This report is a follow—up on the so-called ‘Prüm Decision’ of June 2008 that increased cross—border cooperation in combating terrorism and cross—border crime. Its focus in this regard is greater collection and automatic exchange of data concerning vehicle registration data in Croatia.This approach is part of an ‘enforcement’ narrative of security, that focuses on collecting ever more data, without any proper evaluation of whether its needed, proportional to the protection of privacy and civil liberties, or even effective.We therefore voted against this report, as it is an unbalanced encroachment on the civil liberties and privacy of ordinary citizens.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this objection. This is the second objection by the European Parliament in recent months to the Commission’s proposal for a list (a blacklist) of high—risk third countries that will be used in the implementation of the Anti—Money Laundering Directive. The list is supposed to identify secrecy havens and tax havens but it is so weak that none of the notorious tax havens like Panama, Cayman Islands etc are on it.Under the AMLD any kind of operation with a blacklisted jurisdiction will require enhanced customer due diligence for obliged entities. This represents an important tool to keep records and information on the financial operations and incomes derived from countries outside the EU with deficiencies in transparency.The Commission revised its proposal very slightly from the last time it was rejected by removing Guyana and adding Ethiopia. As the Commission’s proposal is totally unsatisfactory, we voted in favour of objecting to it.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this objection. The objection is made pursuant to rule 106 (2) and (3) of the Rules of Procedure.Firstly, that the Commission’s draft implementing decision is exceeding the implementing powers provided for in the basic act. Secondly, the implementing decision is not consistent with Union law as it is not compatible with the aims of the Regulation, which are to ensure a high level of protection of human life and health, animal health and welfare, environment and consumer interests.There are serious flaws in the current authorisation process for GMOs, including concerns about gaps in comparative assessment, missing/insufficient data and contradicting independent research. The objections call on the Commission to withdraw these draft implementing decisions and suspend any implementing decision regarding GMO applications until the shortcomings of the authorisation procedure are addressed.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this objection. The objection is made pursuant to rule 106 (2) and (3) of the Rules of Procedure.Firstly, the Commission’s draft implementing decision is exceeding the implementing powers provided for in the basic act. Secondly, the implementing decision is not consistent with Union law as it is not compatible with the aim of the Regulation, which are to ensure a high level of protection of human life and health, animal health and welfare, environment and consumer interests.There are serious flaws in the current authorisation process of GMOs, including concerns about gaps in comparative assessment, missing/insufficient data and contradicting independent research. The objections call on the Commission to withdraw these draft implementing decisions and suspend any implementing decision regarding GMO applications until the shortcomings of the authorisation procedure are addressed.

2016/11/22

. – This resolution condemns the Hungarian Government for its ongoing serious breaches of fundamental rights. Over the past few years, the governing Fidesz party – which is in the same Group as Fine Gael – has repeatedly attacked migrants and asylum seekers, pregnant working women, Roma, LGBTI community, civil liberties, freedom of expression and association, the rule of law and the judiciary, academic and press freedom, and NGOs.The actions of the Hungarian Government have become increasingly outrageous, and this resolution calls for compliance proceedings to be initiated. While I do not believe the institutions of the European Union are the best protectors of human rights, there is currently no international actor that can put as much pressure on the Orbán government as the EU can.There are parts of the resolution that I did not agree with, but balancing these against the safeguards in the compliance process as well as the extreme seriousness of the human rights abuses taking place, I considered the situation in Hungary to be serious enough to justify supporting this motion. I therefore voted in favour of the resolution, in order to send a strong message in support of human rights and social justice.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report. The aim of a European Qualifications Framework is to improve the transparency, comparability and transferability of qualifications in the EU and has not been fully realised. As part of its New Skills Agenda, the Commission is proposing to revise the system through a new Council Recommendation; consequently the Employment and Social Affairs Committee tabled an oral question to the Commission and drafted this accompanying resolution setting out its priorities. This will improve workers’ ability to move across borders in the EU if they choose, and have their skills recognised.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report allowing the accession of Croatia to the EU—Mongolia Framework Agreement. Despite some problems (mostly in terms of trade and economic relations), the EU-Mongolia Agreement is broadly positive, including references to human rights, the environment and climate change, and encouraging Mongolia’s regional integration with Chinese and Russian projects. As we voted in favour of the full Agreement earlier this year, we therefore voted in favour of this technical file concerning Croatia’s accession to the Agreement.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this recommendation. This is a technical file that will allow the conclusion of the Protocol to the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States and Bosnia & Herzegovina, in taking account of the accession of Croatia to the EU. The accession of Croatia to the SAA has to be agreed by the conclusion of a protocol to the SAA by the Council.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on this vote, which grants Norway, as an ‘associated country’ to the EU, access to the borders and visas component of the ‘Internal Security Fund’ (ISF) within Schengen, increasing border surveillance and associated data collection systems in that regard and granting the Commission the ability to determine the amount of Norway’s contribution to the ISF.While Sinn Féin respects the right of independent States to choose to join Schengen, this aspect of Schengen is concerned primarily with ‘security’ issues that have a negative impact on civil liberties and freedoms. I therefore abstained on the vote.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report. It is a simple proposal for the EU to join the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC). The ICAC is not a hugely significant body but it shares information and builds international cooperation in the global textile industry. It does not have a role in setting market prices or in intervening in market mechanisms.

2016/11/22

. – In April, the Commission published the eGovernment Action Plan 2016-2020, a follow-on to the previous 2011-2015 Plan. This vote was about putting forward Parliament’s recommendations on that initiative.The issue is that the Action Plan, and even more so Parliament’s Report, see eGovernment policies happening at EU level as the best way forward. It stresses that any work carried out on the electronic interconnection of Member States in the internal market must follow a common European template and that the Commission should be responsible for devising this ‘single digital gateway’. I do not believe that the Commission should be able to decide on how public administration is organised, therefore I voted against.The report further pushes public-private partnerships to advance this eGovernment strategy and promotes a ‘once only principle’, which would see citizens having to only enter information once. This information would then be stored and reused for other applications. Considering the massive hacking of various Institutions and bodies last week, this could have data protection ramifications.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report. This initiative report assesses the current state of affairs in the EU from 2015 onwards on the protection of the EU’s financial interests and in particular, the fight against fraud, specifically relating to VAT, corruption, fraud and irregularities. It calls on Member States to implement effective anti-fraud strategies and measures, and urges the Commission to help Member States do this by providing technical assistance.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report. This is an own-initiative report following up on the Commission’s circular economy action plan, and we warmly welcome the call to reduce food waste on all fronts. The report builds on what was adopted in the circular economy package in March by introducing specific points on food waste including: a definition of ‘food waste’, promoting ‘food sharing’ and donation, calling for a specific food waste hierarchy, and calling on EU countries to achieve non-binding food waste reductions.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on this report. The report calls for harmonisation of controls at all points of entry into the Customs Union, and for increased surveillance and security measures.There are 277 roads crossing the border in Ireland. During the conflict in Ireland cross-border smuggling was a daily occurrence. Among the achievements of the Good Friday Agreement was that it dramatically reduced this.I am in favour of defending the integrity of the Customs Union. However, I abstained because of the possibility that EU Customs posts will be located on the Irish border following Brexit. Bringing back customs posts on the Irish border will be unworkable, and increased surveillance and security will be a direct threat to the peace process. The integrity of the customs union demands that a solution be found which keeps the north of Ireland in the EU, and in the customs union. The only way to achieve this – short of a united Ireland – is through a designated special status within the EU.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour. The Minamata Convention addresses the life cycle of mercury and is the main international framework for cooperation and measures to control and limit the use and emissions of mercury, in order to protect human health and the environment from its adverse effects. It has not yet been transposed into EU law. On 14th March 2017, the Parliament adopted the first reading with an overwhelming vote in favour, and so the ratification of this Convention needs to be finalised. This vote was asking the Parliament to consent the conclusion of the Minamata Convention.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report. The Commission proposal is an amendment to the Anti Tax Avoidance Directive which extends rules against hybrid mismatches (a tax avoidance mechanism used by associated enterprises that exploits legal differences between different jurisdictions) from those within the EU to cover situations where one entity is in the EU and the other is in a third country. There are some problems in the Commission’s proposal that may result in the creation of new loopholes, which this report addresses. I’m in favour of taking action at the Irish, EU and international levels to tackle tax avoidance, so I supported this report.

2016/11/22

. – This report proposes a new arrangement to ensure operational cooperation between Denmark and Europol. This is a result of the Danish people voting in a 2015 referendum against a more flexible ‘opt-in’ Europol mechanism.As a result of the referendum, and this new arrangement, from 1 May, Denmark with cooperate with Europol on an intergovernmental basis, rather than under the overarching supranational affiliation of the Europol Regulation.This means that Denmark will maintain its own accountability and sovereignty, control over the personal data it shares with Europol and its own law enforcement policies.I therefore voted in favour of this report.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained on this report. There are a lot of issues raised in the report about problems with disclosure, practices in awarding funds and failure to implement previous recommendations by the EP. We agree with many of the criticisms of the EIB in the report but not the discharge; to endorse the criticism we should not vote against.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of two proposals to reject the Commission’s proposal and voted against the proposal in the final vote. The Structural Reform Programme demonstrates the Commissions tendency to use funds allocated for cohesion (ESIF), for other purposes and is set up to facilitate austerity measures being implemented in EU Member States.

2016/11/22

. – For this report I voted in favour of the provisional agreement and the European Parliament and council statement.Cultural heritage became an EU priority with the ‘European Agenda for Culture’ in 2007. In 2014, the Council highlighted the social and economic benefits of heritage policies in its ‘Conclusions on cultural heritage as a strategic resource for a sustainable Europe’. In response, in July 2014 the European Commission adopted the Communication ‘Towards an integrated approach to cultural heritage for Europe’. The communication states that the sector is at a ‘crossroads’ due to reduced public budgets, falling participation in traditional cultural activities, diversifying potential audiences due to urbanisation, globalisation, and technological change. It also highlighted opportunities for EU countries and stakeholders to work more closely across borders to ensure that cultural heritage contributes more to sustainable growth and jobs. In November 2014, EU Culture Ministers adopted Council Conclusions on participatory governance of cultural heritage, inviting the Commission to propose a European Year of Cultural Heritage. The European Parliament resolution of 8 September 2015 invited the Commission ‘to designate, preferably for 2018, a European Year of Cultural Heritage.’

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on this report. We are in favour of continuing co-financing the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) and the ECON report is an improvement on the Commission proposal, but the reason for abstaining is because we believe EFRAG must be transformed into a public body not a private association as it currently is.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report, and I was the shadow on this file. it is a report authorising the continuing co-financing of Better Finance and Finance Watch from 2017-2020. I am in favour of continuing providing funding to these organisations, which produce valuable critical analysis of EU financial regulation. The report improves the Commission proposal by including stronger protection for the independence from the Commission of the two organisations.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on voting in favour of granting this discharge. The Commission is ultimately responsible for the execution of the European Union’s budget. The discharge aims to verify whether implementation of the budget was in accordance with compliance and performance of the rules set down. We recognise the unquestionable benefit of EU funding for Ireland, however increased monitoring, oversight and transparency of budget distribution would ensure better standards. I therefore decided to abstain on this discharge.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against the granting of this discharge. We had concerns with some of the language contained in this report which described high-interest-bearing finance loaned to Member States as ‘assistance’. There was little acknowledgement of the suffering inflicted on European Union citizens by economic and banking decisions carried out over which ordinary citizens had no control.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on this discharge. I believe the European Union lacks coherence in the implementation of its policies, and that efforts, particularly for the implementation of the European Development Fund, are mitigated.I believe that the Overseas Countries and Territories, which are also beneficiaries of the EDF, have a legal status and different realities than the ACP countries. Therefore I believe it is essential, in particular to ensure a better effectiveness of the EDF, to move towards the setting up of a specific instrument for them. On this basis, I voted to abstain.

2016/11/22

. –I voted in favour of granting this discharge. I reserve some concerns regarding journalists being able to adhere specific information on Parliament. There were no special irregularities which would justify a postponement.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of postponing the granting of the discharge on the EU general budget – Council and European Council and therefore voting in favour of the resolution. I and Sinn Féin have continuously stated that there remain transparency issues in relation to the financial management of the institutions. Our view is that Parliament is not in the position without the cooperation of the Council to make an informed decision on granting discharge.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of voting for this discharge. The report calls for further improvements in the areas of transparency and accountability, underlines the need to strengthen gender balance in particular in management positions, and reiterates its request for the enhancement of measures to avoid situations of conflict of interest. There were no special irregularities which would justify a postponement.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of granting this discharge. I agree with the use of a mandatory transparency register as a reference instrument for their interaction with the relevant parties. There were many good aspects to this report calling for a special report on conflicts of interests in all agencies and also to equate the gender imbalance. It also called for the submission of declarations of interests, instead of declarations of the absence of conflicts of interests, as self-evaluation of conflicts of interests as this is a conflict of interests in itself. There were no special irregularities which would justify a postponement.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of the granting of this discharge which was concerned with the Committee of the Regions. I supported an amendment to analyse the costs and benefits of the Committee’s work based on clear performance indicators.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of the granting of this discharge which was concerned with the European External Action Service.There were no special irregularities which would justify a postponement.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of the granting of this discharge which was concerned with the European Data Protection Supervisor.Despite some concerns over the need for greater internal control system indicators, there were no special irregularities which would justify a postponement.

2016/11/22

. – I supported this file. It calls for the improvement of democratic accountability, transparency; prevention of conflicts of interests. At the moment in several agencies members of the management boards have published declarations of absence of conflict of interest instead of a declaration of interest. It is not for the management board or for the executives to declare themselves free of conflicts of interest, such must be verified independently.It also emphasises the protection of whistle-blowers’ whether it is from reprisals etc. and the training of employees on their duties and rights, it also stresses the need for immediate action on the agencies whose records staff show an unsatisfactory gender balance; underlines the need to reinforce public procurement and make further progresses towards preventing, detecting, deterring fraud and other regularities.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this budget release as there were no anomalies in the Court of Auditors assessment of the spending for they year in question.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of the granting of this discharge which was concerned with the European Police College (CEPOL).There were no special irregularities which would justify a postponement.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of the granting of this discharge which was concerned with the European Asylum Support Office (EASO).There were no special irregularities which would justify a postponement.

2016/11/22

. – The central point in this discharge report is that the supervisory and control systems required by the Financial Regulation and the transactions tested were free from material error of legality and regularity, so I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – Whilst we oppose the centralisation of fisheries controls and the agency, and the flawed Common Fisheries Policy, we nonetheless voted in favour of the discharge to close the accounts.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on the discharge and voted in favour of the resolution. Special mention is made to EFSA for lack of financial and legal resources. This situation is furthermore aggravated by the staff reduction imposed in particular on EFSA and may seriously compromise the capacity of this agency to fulfil its responsibilities.I supported amendments from the Greens which call on rectifying the failures from last year. This shows that these failures have not been addressed over the past year. For this reason I abstained on the discharge and voted in favour of the resolution.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of granting this discharge. The report stated it had received assurance that the annual accounts of the Authority for the financial year 2015 were reliable and that the underlying transactions were legal and regular. There were no special irregularities which would justify a postponement.

2016/11/22

. – The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) is an EU initiative that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. I voted in favour as there were no special irregularities which would justify a postponement.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained on the discharge and voted in favour of the resolution. Special mention is made to EMA for lack of financial and legal resources by the rapporteur. GUE MEPs voted against this report in committee and it is indeed a very weak report. Despite the 2015 reform, the Agency’s conflict of interests policy remains flexible and the revolving doors for experts receiving grants from the private sector have not been prohibited. We supported the resolution to remedy these issues.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of the granting of this discharge which was concerned with the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA).There were no special irregularities which would justify a postponement.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of the granting of this discharge which was concerned with the European Network and Information Security Agency (ENISA).There were no special irregularities which would justify a postponement.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of the granting of this discharge which was concerned with the European Agency for the operational management of large-scale IT systems in the area of freedom, security and justice (eu-LISA).While there was some concern over poor contracting practices and the lack of a whistleblower policy, there were no special irregularities which would justify a postponement.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of the granting of this discharge which was concerned with the European Union’s Judicial Cooperation Unit (Eurojust).There were no special irregularities which would justify a postponement.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of the granting of this discharge which was concerned with the European Police Office (Europol)There was concern over the use of a controversial private database that linking individuals with terrorism without proper investigation or evidence, and I voted for this practice to be reviewed.Overall, however, there were no special irregularities which would justify a postponement.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of the granting of this discharge which was concerned with the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA).There were no special irregularities which would justify a postponement.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of the granting of this discharge which was concerned with the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union (Frontex).The report noted the lack of quantitative objectives for Frontex operations, as well as concerns over transparency and conflict of interest policies within the agency, however, overall, there were no special irregularities which would justify a postponement.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this report. The discharge on ITER has two RCV amendments from the Greens making note of problems in the budget and contribution to ITER. The vote against the discharge is because this Joint Undertaking is the world’s largest scientific partnership aiming to demonstrate fusion as a viable and sustainable source of energy and we do not support this.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report, as the outermost regions are some of the most isolated and peripheral regions in the world and yet they fall under the same EU fishery regulation and its constraints.We supported the amendment as the majority of the vessels are small-scale, exceeding 40 years old on average. This constitutes a danger for fishermen’s safety and the economical and sociocultural sustainability of the sector, hence the need for modernisation of the fleet to meet health and safety standards.This report acknowledges all the above.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour.After the Rana Plaza garment factory tragedy in Bangladesh in 2013 (this week saw the fourth anniversary), the Commission pledged to table an EU-wide flagship initiative to boost responsible management of the garment industry. It has not been launched to date. This own-initiative report is a motion for resolution calling on the Commission to put forward a legislative proposal, which would focus on introducing mandatory due diligence for the supply chains in the industry.The report makes reference to upholding workers’ rights, notably the right of association, and the promotion of decent working conditions. While welcoming national initiatives (all voluntary), it particularly calls for the Commission to extend corporate social responsibility and binding due diligence initiatives beyond existing frameworks, ensuring the highest standards for workers. Other positive points in this report include calls for increased consumer information, the use of ecological and sustainably managed raw materials, and the inclusion of binding human rights clauses in all international agreements.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report which takes stock of the state of farmland concentration in the EU, and offers practical solutions to some problems. The report identifies the small-farm structure as the best way of ensuring a responsible relationship with the land and sustainable land management.In Ireland over the past few months we have seen many farmers targeted by vulture funds, whose only interest is securing assets at the expense of livelihoods, jobs and entire ways of life. The report today calls on national governments to take measures to avoid speculative land transactions, and recognises the need to curb the rise in farmland prices and rents. This is an area in which our own Government is completely failing.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this report. The report was improved in the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and contains some good points, but the key problem is its endorsement of the promotion of the use of the European Investment Bank, with the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), to privatise the EU budget.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report.The Directive on the management of waste from the extractive industries 2006 was adopted after two major accidents involving hazardous extractive waste. It was to be transposed by 1 May 2008, however it was revealed to be only partially or incorrectly transposed in many cases. This was due to implementation problems.This report tackles these implementation problems in various ways, aiming to increase the safety of mining waste facilities. It recommends that transposition of the Directive is completed as soon as possible with general guidance, concrete sector-specific guidelines and unscheduled on-the-spot inspections to facilitate the process. The report stresses the involvement of local communities and guarantees transparency. It also reiterates the call for a complete ban on the use of cyanide mining technologies in the EU as soon as possible.

2016/11/22

. – I supported this file which will reduce, with the intention of removing, roaming charges for millions of people across the EU. In particular due to the partition of Ireland the issue of roaming charges causes a lot of difficulty on a daily basis, so for them this is a significant moment. Undoubtedly, we all have been waiting expectantly for this momentous occasion to take place.However, I did have concerns on this report in relation to the possibility that mobile phone operators in countries that are net recipients of tourist flows will pass the extra costs which will arise due to seasonal increase in pressure on the networks on to domestic consumers.However, in spite of this I supported the report as it is a positive victory for citizens over large telecoms companies.

2016/11/22

. – This proposal from the European Commission aims to grant short-term visa waivers to Ukraine citizens entering the EU for short visits.This means that Ukrainian citizens holding biometric passports will be able to enter EU Member States (except Britain and Ireland) without a visa, for a period of maximum 90 days in any 180 period.While all of the relevant criteria are considered to be filled, in addition to the usual suspension mechanism, the report also proposes an ongoing monitoring mechanism, to ensure that the necessary criteria remain met, and to monitor the situation with regard to organised crime, corruption and rule of law issues in the Ukraine.We therefore voted in favour of this report.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this OQ as it facilitates the start of the process during which we can debate the merits of the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) and it also seeks clarification on a range of issues.This OQ will deliver further clarification on a number of important issues relating to the format, functioning, financing, cost effectiveness and long-term sustainability of the ESC, which are unclear.More specifically Commission is asked to ensure that:There will be a clear distinction between volunteering and employment;The launch of the ESC will not compromise the financial sustainability of other European programmes, such as Erasmus + and Youth Guarantee;The ESC will coexist and not replace or duplicate existing initiatives such as European Voluntary Service;The ESC will reach out to all young people, in particular those in more vulnerable situation.We have some reservations about the ESC. However, we will raise them when the time comes when this file comes through committee and plenary in the future.

2016/11/22

. – While we felt the JmR did not go far enough, I was happy to support it as it rightly criticised the mendacious attempts by the Commission and US administration to create a more encompassing system than the struck-down Safe Harbour agreement.The thrust of the resolution is highly critical of the EU attitude and deference to the US in relation to data law and paves the way for looking at data issues in more encompassing and analytical fashion. Therefore, we supported the JmR.

2016/11/22

. – The focus on human rights and social rights is an important starting point for the negotiations between the EU and Britain.I welcome the fact that the resolution is unambiguous in its support for the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts, including all of the benefits and protections it offers. Equally important is that the resolution says that the EU should do everything possible to avoid a hardening of the border.I remain critical of many aspects of the EU. But the resolutions call for a broad public debate on the future of the EU should be the beginning of a significant change of direction for the EU.

2016/11/22

. – This Convention sets up a compensatory system for any person suffering damage in connection with the carriage of hazardous and noxious substances at sea. The compensatory pot is funded by those receiving HNS in each State Party. Though signed in 1996, the Convention never entered into force as State Parties ratified it. Thus in 2010 the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) adopted a Protocol attempting to remove practical issues for ratification. With regard to the EU, one of these ‘practical issues’ was that the EU could not sign it because of the division of competences. Therefore one aspect of the Decision you vote on today authorises the Member States to ratify the Convention on behalf of the EU. This means that Ireland will now have to go through ratification processes at national level. Since Sinn Féin agrees with international Conventions being signed at national, rather than supranational level, I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – This Convention sets up a compensatory system for any person suffering damage in connection with the carriage of hazardous and noxious substances at sea. The compensatory pot is funded by those receiving HNS in each State Party. Though signed in 1996, the Convention never entered into force as State Parties ratified it. Thus in 2010 the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) adopted a Protocol attempting to remove practical issues for ratification. Another one of those practical issues was the overlap between this Convention and the Brussels I Regulation, which governs mutual recognition and enforcement of judgements in the EU. This Decision clarifies the delineation of jurisdiction between these two pieces of legislation thereby removing any legal ambiguities. I therefore voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – This legislative resolution follows on from the Commission giving the green light to integrating Croatia into the Schengen Information System. At first, Croatia will only be able to operate this system for the purpose of law enforcement cooperation, ‘normalising’ Croatia’s participation in the relevant European policies.Obviously, entry into Schengen also includes the negative aspects of that system which Sinn Féin opposes. This includes increased data collection and information exchange for border management and security issues that impinge on ordinary citizens’ civil liberties.However, Sinn Féin does not oppose sovereign States who meet the criteria and wish to join Schengen from doing so, I therefore voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – I supported this report, voting against the amendment to reject it tabled by the far-right. This Regulation replaces the previous Medical Devices framework, addressing weaknesses while still maintaining and strengthening the current approval system. It introduces special procedures for certain high risk medical devices, manufacturers’ liability, post-market surveillance, higher standards in controlling the use certain substances and strengthens provisions on the powers of Notified Bodies. This report comes to light in the wake of various medical device scandals across Europe and aims to strengthen the framework to ensure greater protection for patients across the EU. It means that patients can have confidence in their medical care. It ensures clear rules regarding the roles and obligations of all actors operating on the market.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in support of this report, by voting against the amendment to reject it. This report follows a proposal for a new Regulation, replacing the existing Directive on IVD with the aim to address the inconsistencies in Member States interpretation of current rules. This will increase the protection of public health and safety, improve transparency concerning the information patients receive and strengthen the rules of traceability. A number of device scandals in Europe exposed the weaknesses of the framework and this report fills in the gaps to make a more robust protection system. It obliges Notified Bodies to carry out unannounced inspections and strengthens the provisions on the designation, organisation, monitoring and expertise of Notified Bodies. The report introduces special procedures for certain high risk devices, manufacturers’ liability, genetic counselling, and post-market surveillance among other measures that strive for further protection of patients from fraud and fault. Overall, this report is a positive step for welfare of patients across Europe.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this resolution on Multiannual financial framework for 2014-2020. This resolution was to allow flexibility in the EU annual budgets procedure to fund new needs that arise whilst also allowing increased funds to some existing ceilings in order to avoid unpaid bills. There were limited good measures from a societal point of view contained within this report such as acknowledging more funding may be needed for the youth employment initiative if the downward trend in youth employment reverses and too many negative measures with no resonance provided towards the disenchantment of European citizens towards the Union. This resolution could have served to provide a sea change of priorities by putting people first and winning back the support of people towards the European Union. It didn’t do that and on that basis, I voted against it.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of the mobilisation of the contingency margin as it is essentially a last resort instrument, or to simplify; a ‘reserve fund’, to be used in the event of unforeseen circumstances and emergencies.

2016/11/22

. – Whilst we support cutting unnecessary expenditure especially with regard to the bloated bureaucracy, I abstained instead of voting against as there are some positive elements with regard to expenditure that would be adversely affected such as the graduate programme for young people, language services and interpretation.

2016/11/22

. – The file related to the mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund for an amount of EUR 71 524 810 in relation to the floods that occurred in Britain during December 2015 to January 2016, drought and fires in Cyprus between October 2015 and June 2016 and fires on the Portuguese island of Madeira in August 2016.I always vote in favour of EUSF funding to MS who have suffered because of major natural disasters and express European solidarity to disaster-stricken regions within Europe.

2016/11/22

. – In accordance with Article 11(1) of the EGF Regulation, a maximum of 0.5% of the annual maximum amount of the EGF may be made available each year for technical assistance at the initiative of the Commission. This request is to release 0.18%.As a result the EGF working group met to discuss the release of this funding for technical reasons to the Commission some weeks back. The funding is requested to help with monitoring and data gathering.Given that the proposals for what is to be proposed are quite good I voted in favour of releasing the funding.

2016/11/22

. – During December 2015 and January 2016, 11 regions in Britain were affected by heavy rainfall and strong winds, which led to flooding and infrastructure damage. From October 2015 to June 2016, Cyprus suffered from very low precipitation combined with extremely high temperatures, leading to severe drought with important crop failure, forest and vegetation fires and scarcity of water. Between 8 and 13 August 2016, the Portuguese island of Madeira suffered from large wild fires, burning an area of 6 000 hectares. They led to the destruction of essential public infrastructure, public buildings, private homes, businesses and damages in agriculture.As all regions fell under the criteria for solidarity funding and I voted in favour of releasing EUSF funding to those who have suffered.

2016/11/22

. – This report is a follow-up on the so-called Prüm Decision of June 2008 that increased cross-border cooperation in combatting terrorism and cross-border crime. Its focus in this regard is greater collection and automatic exchange of data concerning vehicles registered in Latvia.This approach is part of an ‘enforcement’ narrative of security, that focuses on collecting ever more data, without any proper evaluation of whether its needed, proportional to the protection of privacy and civil liberties, or even effective.I therefore voted against this report, as it is an unbalanced encroachment on the civil liberties and privacy of ordinary citizens.

2016/11/22

. – This report is a follow-up on the so-called ‘Prüm Decision’ of June 2008 that increased cross-border cooperation in combating terrorism and cross-border crime. Its focus in this regard is greater collection and automatic exchange of DNA data in Slovakia, Portugal, Latvia, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Cyprus, Poland, Sweden, Malta and Belgium.This approach is part of an ‘enforcement’ narrative of security, that focuses on collecting ever more data, without any proper evaluation of whether it is needed, proportional to the protection of privacy and civil liberties, or even effective.I therefore voted against this report, as it is an unbalanced encroachment on the civil liberties and privacy of ordinary citizens.

2016/11/22

. – This report is a follow-up on the so-called ‘Prüm Decision’ of June 2008 that increased cross-border cooperation in combatting terrorism and cross-border crime. Its focus in this regard is greater collection and automatic exchange of dactyloscopic data in Slovakia, Bulgaria, France, Czech Republic, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Hungary, Cyprus, Estonia, Malta, Romania and Finland.This approach is part of an ‘enforcement’ narrative of security, that focuses on collecting ever more data, without any proper evaluation of whether its needed, proportional to the protection of privacy and civil liberties, or even effective.I therefore voted against this report, as it is an unbalanced encroachment on the civil liberties and privacy of ordinary citizens.

2016/11/22

. – This report is a follow-up on the so-called ‘Prüm Decision’ of June 2008 that increased cross-border cooperation in combatting terrorism and cross-border crime. Its focus in this regard is greater collection and automatic exchange of data concerning vehicles registered in Finland, Slovenia, Romania, Poland, Sweden, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Slovakia and Hungary.This approach is part of an ‘enforcement’ narrative of security, that focuses on collecting ever more data, without any proper evaluation of whether its needed, proportional to the protection of privacy and civil liberties, or even effective.I therefore voted against this report, as it is an unbalanced encroachment on the civil liberties and privacy of ordinary citizens.

2016/11/22

. – This report is a follow-up on the so-called ‘Prüm Decision’ of June 2008 that increased cross-border cooperation in combatting terrorism and cross-border crime. Its focus in this regard is greater collection and automatic exchange of vehicle registration data with Malta, Cyprus and Estonia.This approach is part of an ‘enforcement’ narrative of security, that focuses on collecting ever more data, without any proper evaluation of whether its needed, proportional to the protection of privacy and civil liberties, or even effective.I therefore voted against this report, as it is an unbalanced encroachment on the civil liberties and privacy of ordinary citizens.

2016/11/22

. – My colleague Lynn Boylan shadowed this objection, which calls on the Commission to withdraw its authorisation for this substance. Based on a request by Syngenta (a multinational agribusiness producing agrochemicals and seeds), the Commission decided in March 2016 to authorise products containing, consisting of, or produced from GM maize, including twenty sub-combinations of it. Out of the 20 products to be authorised, only a few have been tested for safety and some have not even been created yet. The resolution accompanying the objection argues that the Commission’s implementing decision to authorise is not consistent with Union law and that it is not compatible with the Union aims, i.e. to protect human life and health. This Decision further runs contrary to the principles of general food law, given that some of the varieties approved have not even been created.

2016/11/22

. – This is a joint initiative report coming from both the Foreign Affairs and Development committees, and it is therefore quite contradictory in nature.On the one hand, it contains several good points on recognising and increasing the rights of refugees, highlighting EU obligations under international law, recognising the important role of NGOs and civil society in delivering urgent aid, and – importantly – criticising the tendency to make all EU policies conditional on greater cooperation on border control.However, the report also supports NATO missions in the Mediterranean and the Common Defence and Security Policy, presents false information about the arrival of refugees, promotes greater externalisation of border controls, welcomes the evolution of Frontex/the European Border and Coast Guard, promotes greater intervention in third countries, and overall promotes the reinforcement of a general ‘Fortress Europe’ approach.As these are all red line issues which we cannot support, we voted against this report.

2016/11/22

. – On the Wuhn report for the Committee on Fisheries, I abstained.I authored and tabled a plenary amendment calling for statement to the annex of this file calling for expansion of the characteristics of vessels. We had issues with the insertion in the text by the Commission [of wording giving it] the ability to adopt delegated acts ‘for an indeterminate period of time’, whilst Parliament’s amendments dilute this and give a specified amount of ‘five years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation’ and [state that the Commission shall] ‘draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than nine months before the end of the five-year period. The delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration, unless the European Parliament or the Council opposes such extension not later than three months before the end of each period’.There is also an issue with the text as it is calling for rules determining the characteristics of fishing vessels to be in line with the standards of the CFP. This implies that the CFP is a positive aspect and does not require reform, contrary to what ordinary fishermen believe, especially regarding ITQS.

2016/11/22

. – The Committee proposal purports giving more power to the Commission while also creating an Agency to oversee emissions testing and surveillance; however, the Commission proposal gives itself even more powers. It would have been preferable for Member States to have the power and the Commission some oversight and an administrative role. As this choice was not offered, I could not support the report.A better system for testing cars is needed. The current system, which was last revised in 2007, does not work. Even before the diesel scandal broke, the Commission was aware that the system was not properly functioning.However, my main issue is with the Commission having a role in the affairs of Member States in the creation of further agencies to do the Commission’s bidding, even to the point I disagree with their aims to put Commission taskforces on the roads of Member States to investigate. The Commission or an agency acting on behalf of the EU should not have this power, and elements of the report seek to give this power.I support addressing this issue and increasing environmental protection at national level, not the Commission or an agency, therefore I had to abstain.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report. Palm oil is the world’s most widely used oil and has become the cause of widespread devastation of rainforests in Malaysia and Indonesia in particular. As the third largest market of palm oil, the EU has a role to play in the prevention of further ecological destruction. With 73% of global deforestation coming from the clearing of land for agricultural commodities, 40% of which is caused by conversion to large-scale monocultural oil palm plantations, it is absolutely necessary to recognise the role that increasing global demand has in the rush for more biofuel and raw materials.In essence, this report aims to make sustainable an industry that is currently causing unprecedented environmental damage. It calls for a mandatory single certification scheme to be put in place to ensure palm oil and palm oil products entering the EU market meet minimum sustainability criteria which are outlined in the report. It calls for information campaigns to inform consumers of the consequences of sustainable palm oil production and calls on the Commission to present a concrete action plan to reduce the impact of European consumption and investment on deforestation in third countries.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report, which draws attention to the precarious situation of women in rural/farming communities. It addresses gender pension gaps, access to land issues, access to public services, equality of access to CAP and ERDF instruments, the fact that most women are not registered as co-owners of farms despite contributing considerable hours of labour, as well as a lack of professional status/social protection for women on farms. I further voted in favour of paragraphs calling for gender budgeting in the CAP, as well as the need for an EU Directive on violence against women.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of the joint resolution due its human rights focus, it references zero tolerance to the death penalty and the abolition of discrimination in its many guises. It condemns the censorship of free speech, the repression of journalists and human rights abuses.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained in this vote. In principle we support better collection, management and dissemination of scientific and stock data, and the integration of information at all levels, especially in the context of advocating for better quotas for Irish fishermen. However, there were aspects of the proposal that insinuated an over-centralised approach in the common fisheries policy, through delegated and implementing acts, and entailed more authority over Member States.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of the final report, it advocates that sustainable commercial fishing in the Arctic must comply with existing treaties and agreements and the safeguarding of the Arctic’s biodiversity and the marine environment.

2016/11/22

. – Upon Croatia’s accession to the EU, WTO rules were activated which obliged the EU to adjust previous trading concessions Croatia held with third countries. In this case, prior to accession, Brazil was Croatia’s main supplier of raw cane sugar (98% market share). Brazil was also supplying a good portion of poultry and turkey meat. The EU’s tariffs on these three items are higher than Croatia’s had previously been, putting Brazilian producers at an immediate disadvantage. This agreement puts in place a compensatory system whereby Tariff Rate Quotas (TRQs) on these products are adjusted and tariff levels for raw sugar cane slightly lowered for a temporary period to compensate Brazil for their loss of market. While I completely disagreed with the intransparent way in which the European Commission conducted these negotiations I voted in favour of this agreement which will compensate Brazilian producers who lost more favourable markets.

2016/11/22

. – This report is a follow-up on the so-called ‘Prüm Decision’ of June 2008 that increased cross-border cooperation in combating terrorism and cross-border crime. Its focus in this regard is greater collection and automatic exchange of vehicle registration data with Denmark.This approach is part of an ‘enforcement’ narrative of security, that focuses on collecting ever more data, without any proper evaluation of whether it is needed, proportional to the protection of privacy and civil liberties, or even effective. I therefore voted against this report, as it is an unbalanced encroachment on the civil liberties and privacy of ordinary citizens.

2016/11/22

. – This report is a follow-up on the so-called ‘Prüm Decision’ of June 2008 that increased cross-border cooperation in combating terrorism and cross-border crime. Its focus in this regard is greater collection and automatic exchange of DNA data with Greece.This approach is part of an ‘enforcement’ narrative of security, that focuses on collecting ever more data, without any proper evaluation of whether it is needed, proportional to the protection of privacy and civil liberties, or even effective. I therefore voted against this report, as it is an unbalanced encroachment on the civil liberties and privacy of ordinary citizens.

2016/11/22

. – This resolution is a response to a large number of petitions received by Parliament expressing concern at a range of obstacles to freedom of movement and work in the EU, including discrimination against seasonal and cross-border workers, discrimination due to non-recognition of LGBTI unions and of professional qualifications, and denial of healthcare to EU citizens in some Member States.The final resolution points out the importance of the freedom of movement for both social and economic cohesion, while identifying the challenges that the economic crisis has presented. It calls for recognition of LGBTI rights, for social security rights to be enjoyed without discrimination, and for the fulfilment of the principle of equal pay for equal work.The resolution was drafted in committee without any opportunity to table amendments, and no amendments or debate were allowed before voting in Plenary either. However, the resolution is broadly positive, so I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – I voted abstention on the Guidelines for the 2018 budget. This report marks the start of the annual EU budgetary procedure in the European Parliament, following the adoption of the European Council’s Guidelines for 2018, on what should be the Union budgetary priorities for 2018. The report contains the Committee on Budgets’ proposal for a European Parliament motion for a resolution on what should be the Guidelines for the Commission to present its draft EU budget for 2018 before the summer recess.Despite, and underlining, all the improvements, in particular the support for certain core social policies and objectives, I still could not support the endorsement made to the neo-liberal and defence-driven policies that are simply not acceptable.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report, which is an ambitious contribution to health and welfare standards for horses considering the complete lack of framework legislation and guidelines for the sector. While the number of equidae in the EU is small compared to other livestock, it is a labour—intensive sector. They are increasingly being used for educational, sporting, therapeutic and recreational purposes on agricultural holdings. The report itself calls for the enhancement of scientific research and the implementation of existing research on the welfare of equidae. It also calls for more action at Member State level concerning inspections and audits of slaughterhouses and travel times.For these reasons I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – We abstained on this report, which was a misdirected attempt to update EU legislation concerning the acquisition and possession of weapons. The reasons for this proposal are not quite clear, with no justification given for the main bulk of new rules, nor the need for their regulation at EU rather than national level. The review targets legal firearm owners instead of the illegal trade, and no context is given for this. The review also targets deactivated weapons in museums and as part of collections – again, there is no justification for why this is done at EU level.Furthermore, there are massive data protection implications concerning the establishment of an EU-wide register that would contain the names, addresses and other personal information of everyone legally holding a firearm.While we agree that there needs to be stringent regulation of firearms, this should be done at Member State level. For these reasons, we abstained on the final vote.

2016/11/22

. – Unlike many reports in the European Parliament concerning data and privacy, this report is a good one. It underlines the many human rights concerns and privacy challenges associated with ‘big data’ and the widespread collection of data on ordinary citizens. It criticises the widespread process of ‘data analytics’ that is little more than an exercise in profiling.The report stresses the importance of accountability, protecting privacy, and effectively applying data protection law to provide safeguards for individuals’ rights. My Group in the Parliament, GUE/NGL tabled several amendments that strengthened the personal data protection components of the report, and most of these were included into the text. We therefore voted in favour of this report.

2016/11/22

. – There is currently no EU legislation for the keeping and protection of farmed rabbits, despite similar legislation in place for other animals known to be kept in cages. This report addresses this gap by calling for more research into the keeping of rabbits in order to put forward proper alternatives to the widespread use of small battery cages. The Resolution notes progress in other Member States, such as Austria and Belgium where such cages are already banned or being phased out. It calls for similar research at EU level. The report also advocates for the reduction in use of antibiotics in rabbit farming, which can lead to antimicrobial resistance. For these reasons we voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this motion to waive the immunity of French Front National (FN) MEP Marine Le Pen.In December 2015 Le Pen posted graphic images of hostages taken by Daesh on Twitter with the caption ‘This is Daesh!’ The tweet was in response to a comparison made between FN and Daesh on a television broadcast that morning. French authorities subsequently opened a judicial investigation on the basis of three Articles in the French Criminal Code dealing with dissemination of violent images likely to undermine human dignity.In such cases Parliament is to apply the following law: ‘Members of the European Parliament shall not be subject to any form of inquiry, detention or legal proceedings in respect of opinions expressed or votes cast by them in the performance of their duties’.The question to ask was: while making this statement, was she acting beyond the precincts of that institution (her role as an MEP), giving rise to a prosecution? The posting of these images for her own political gain, an act prosecutable by the French Criminal Code, goes beyond her institution. I voted in favour of the waiver so that French Courts can decide further.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on this report. There were some positive aspects of this file but there were concerns on the issues of trade liberalisation regarding EU trade policy, noting previous examples of TTIP, CETA, etc., which have been shown to be detrimental for workers, consumer protection, multinational corporate dominance in a number of sectors, etc.A vote in favour would have been an endorsement of the agreement between the EU and Lebanon and EU neo-liberalism.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on this vote, which grants Liechtenstein, as an associated country to the EU, access to the borders and visas component of the ‘Internal Security Fund’ (ISF) within Schengen, increasing border surveillance and associated data systems.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this report, and the Commission proposal including committee amendments. We disagree with the third energy package which this file endorses, but more so, we completely disagree with giving the Commission the power to scrutinise Member States’ energy deals. This is a complete undermining of the autonomy and sovereignty of Member States.The idea of the Commission positioning itself between Member States and any energy deals they seek to make, to make sure they comply with the third energy package is anathema to our party’s political position. Furthermore, as the rapporteur and the Committee’s proposals were more severe than the Commission proposal, we opposed them also.The idea behind the Commission proposal is to enhance the internal market and to limit national competences and is a de facto endorsement of the third energy therefore we voted against the report.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this resolution on visa reciprocity with the US. The US has agreed a visa waiver agreement with the EU, but has only partially implemented it. Despite the deadline being long past, the European Commission has not taken any action, but insists that it is still ‘negotiating’. This resolution calls on the Commission to suspend the agreement if isn’t implemented rapidly. We therefore voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – We supported this report which calls on the Commission and the Council to explore new measures to control medicines prices, such as horizontal scanning and coordinating joint procurements, and to increase cooperation between the Member States regarding price-setting procedures, in order to share information about prices, reimbursement, negotiation agreements and good practices and to avoid unnecessary administrative requirements and delays.We also supported the elements of the report which called for the transparency of the cost of development and clinical trials in order to set a fair price; the highlighting of rare diseases and the promotion of relevant research; and to ensure that safe and affordable medicines are available for citizens.The report is comprehensive and will be a good reference point in relation to Member States adhering to Article 35 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights on ‘Health protection’.While a number of the recommendations called on the Commission to be more involved, none breached subsidiarity and the Member State competence for health. Therefore we supported the report, which will hopefully lead to Member States getting their act together on ensuring access to affordable medicine.

2016/11/22

. – Creative Europe is the European Union's financial support programme for the creative, cultural and audiovisual sectors in Europe. The Regulation establishing the Creative Europe Programme entered into force on 1 January 2014 and the programme will be implemented from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2020.In general, the report highlights the very important role of the Creative Europe Programme for the creative, cultural and audiovisual sectors in Europe. Hence it calls for its continuation and improvement over the period 2021-2028, with an increased budget.Cultural policies in EU are fundamentally important and need financing. I therefore voted in favour of the report.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on this report. The Europe for Citizens (EfC) Programme was initially established for the period 2007-2013 with the purpose of enhancing citizen support to European integration and promoting ‘European Citizenship’. The EfC Programme is open to stakeholders promoting European citizenship and integration, in particular local and regional authorities and organisations, twinning committees, European public policy research organisations (think tanks), civil society organisations as well as cultural, youth, educational and research organisations. It provides EU financial support for a wide variety of projects and activities.Regarding the focus and objectives of the programme, the text highlights the importance of the projects focused on issues such as diversity, migration, refugees, preventing radicalisation, fostering social inclusion, intercultural dialogue, addressing financial problems and identifying European cultural legacy. It also calls for the participation of people with special needs and of marginalised and disenfranchised people, including migrants, refugees and asylum seekers. Within the ‘European Remembrance’ strand, the report promotes the development of a future-oriented, plural and transcultural European identity that is open to outside influences.Like many Commission proposals, the EfC could be viewed as laying the groundwork for creating an EU identity as a precursor for a Federal Europe, and therefore I abstained.

2016/11/22

. – A recent surge in the illegal trade in wildlife, and a request from the Commission to reflect on best ways to achieve coherence between the CCP and environmental policy are behind this non-legislative report.The report puts the illegal wildlife trade industry valued at between EUR 8-20 billion annually and draws attention to the many dangers, with regard to preserving biodiversity, environmental sustainability and endangered animals, of the sector. Although the report is good in highlighting problems with the industry, there are no new calls for legislation, merely implementation of existing frameworks and information sharing of best practices.Our problem with the report is that there are several paragraphs commending the Commission’s Free Trade agenda. While it is true that Sustainable Development Chapters were included in TTIP negotiating rounds, leaked documents have shown them to be thoroughly lacking. The same is true for CETA. Why would we commend the Commission for what turned out to be a box-ticking exercise? This repeated language is an attempt to sneak neo-liberal formulae on FTAs into otherwise sound reports. As I do not agree with commending the Commission for the negotiation of agreements that threaten the environment and sustainability, I had to vote against.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this report, which states that it is fighting terrorism but is dominated by a security-driven approach and was rushed through without any proper debate with civil society, academia or experts.International human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, the European Network Against Racism, European Digital Rights, the Fundamental Rights European Experts Group, Human Rights Watch, the International Commission of Jurists and the Open Society Foundations all opposed this report. They have expressed concern over the lack of transparency in adopting the directive and are worried that its overly broad language threatens severely to damage democracy and free expression.We share their concerns that this directive could lead to the criminalisation of public protests and other peaceful acts, to the suppression of freedom of political expression and to other unjustified limitations on human rights. The directive is also at risk of being disproportionately applied in a way that discriminates against specific ethnic and religious communities.This sort of out-of-control ‘anti-terrorism’ legislation is massively undercutting our civil liberties and the rule of law in our democracies, with little or no effect on actual terrorist activity. For these reasons we voted against the report.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this regulation, which calls for data collection and database checks on all EU citizens and third—country nationals crossing EU external borders, on the basis that this will help prevent terrorism. It is a huge data-trawling operation, without any evidence that such an infringement of civil liberties of ordinary citizens will make Europe a safer place. The Commission did not even make an impact assessment to justify the regulation before pushing it through.It is an attack on the civil liberties of EU citizens and residents, is invasive and unnecessary, and simply won’t work.Europe should be working to prevent terrorism through better use of existing data, better cooperation between Member States’ police and public prosecutors and by promoting conflict resolution instead of building Fortress Europe on the remains of ordinary people’s civil liberties and treating everyone as a potential criminal.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this report. This report is billed as being the answer to the problems of the EU and viewed as proposing the future shape of the European Union for the decades ahead. However, it does nothing of the sort. All it proposes is a one—dimensional federalist view.We disagreed with almost every element of this report from its calls for ‘ever-closer’ union, to usurpation of Member States competencies, to tax harmonisation, to the establishment of a European CIA, to ramping up EU defence and security measures.Furthermore, the report is pervasive with the idea that the problems of the EU, economically and socially, can be cured by the federalisation project. The report blames everyone except the EU institutions for existing problems in Member States. It blames the Member States continuously without referencing the continuous neo-liberal policies of the EU in conjunction with its austerity policies as one of the main reasons for social and economic challenges.Overall, We voted against this report.

2016/11/22

. –We voted against this report. The Brok/Bresso report was the second strand in a triumvirate of reports aimed at improving the functioning of the European Union building on the potential of the Lisbon Treaty.As with the Verhofstadt report, this report also pushed the federalisation line. However, in some regards it went even further. It called for an EU Minister for Finance, deepening of EMU, further consolidation of fiscal powers by the EU, tax convergence, harmonisation of further Member State competences, expansion of CFSD policy and roadmap to EU army, making the Commission the government of Europe, etc…As we disagreed with the vast majority of this report we voted against it.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this resolution and signed an alternative motion for resolution.In our view the proposal to introduce a budgetary capacity in the Euro area will not solve the structural imbalances in the Economic and Monetary Union, which require a fundamental change in the orientation of its economic policies and governance addressing the root causes of the euro crisis – particularly the contribution of macroeconomic imbalances towards private and public indebtedness.In the alternative motion we signed, we oppose the establishment of the foreseen Eurozone Treasury since it will imply further concentration of power in supranational entities and the Treasury will be embedded in the framework of the Fiscal Compact and may contribute to the enforcement of demand hampering structural reforms and thus undermine democratic sovereignty and contribute to the imposition of austerity.

2016/11/22

. – With the advent of robotics, artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, more and more the question arises: ‘who is liable when a robot malfunctions and causes damage?’Therefore I support this report as a thoughtful response to developments in artificial intelligence, calling for legislation on civil law aspect of robotics, including definition of a ‘smart robot’ as one which has autonomy through the use of sensors and/or interconnectivity with the environment, which has at least a minor physical support, which adapts its behaviour and actions to the environment and which cannot be defined as having ‘life’ in the biological sense.

2016/11/22

. – Matt Carthy (GUE/NGL), in writing. ‒ I abstained on this vote. The European Cloud Initiative is designed to help science, industry and public authorities in Europe access world-class data infrastructures and cloud-based services as they become the decisive factors for success in the digital economy. The report stands for the creation of the European Open Science Cloud, EOSC, based on the sharing of open data and on developing a trusted, open environment for the community, the scientific and academic worlds, but also industry, SMEs, startups, public administration and citizens, for storing, sharing and re-using scientific data and results. This report also stands for the data protection abiding under the EU legislation and the Charter of Fundamental Rights, namely the rights of data protection, privacy, liberty and security, which cannot be secured when saving data in EU clouds outside the EU.The report is quite a good proposal and it is the first step for the development of the European Open Science Cloud Initiative. However, this report also states that EOSC is a key for the development of the Digital Single Market and to the need to construct Public Private Partnerships for the creation of European Data Infrastructures. The report had a lot of positive elements, but since it crossed some red line issues for me, I had to abstain.

2016/11/22

. – This report addresses the need to maximise the contribution of European Structural and Investment (ESI) Funds towards creating jobs and growth. The report makes a number of positive recommendations for the future of cohesion policy, such as including experiences on a local and regional level and solidarity for cohesion policy design.However the report clearly lends its support to the European Semester, to the Country Specific Recommendations (CSRs) and ‘structural reforms’ (in other words, austerity) in Member States, as well as the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI). I therefore abstained on this report.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report which sets out the Parliament’s priorities for an aviation strategy for Europe. The main theme of the report called for further liberalisation of the aviation sector and the need to get rid of the ‘surplus of loss-making airports’. In Ireland, our regional airports are vital to maintain regional connectivity. Links such as those to and from the Aran Islands are crucial for rural populations and their importance ought not be diminished.The report was also lacking in that it only referenced the appalling labour conditions in this sector when addressing non-EU carriers. I voted for amendments aimed at strengthening the report such as those addressing health and safety issues, respect for ILO Conventions, and programmes threatening the viability of smaller regional airports. However, the necessary majority was not reached to better this report.

2016/11/22

. – This resolution criticises the delayed implementation of ESI Funds operational programmes for the 2014-2020 period, which is undermining the delivery and objectives of cohesion policy. In 2017 there is already a 24% decrease in payment appropriations compared to 2016. The resolution calls on the Commission to take several measures to improve the situation, including providing greater technical assistance services, simpler rules, and a ‘cohesion acceleration plan’.My Group helped remove sections linking ESI Funds to ‘structural reforms’ (austerity policies), however there were still a number of references to financial instruments and the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), which I voted against.Overall, however, the resolution made a valuable contribution on the need for improved implementation of operational programmes to support cohesion policy. I therefore voted in favour of this motion.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against CETA as I believe the contents of this agreement pose massive threats to our democracy, our legislative autonomy, our sovereignty and some of our most prized regulatory standards.The Investment Court System and the chapter on regulatory cooperation would hand unacceptable power to multinational corporations to dictate the policies of elected governments on a range of issues of public interest. They would also give power to an unaccountable international court to call Irish-made laws into question.For these reasons, and the fact that the ICS will infringe the Irish Constitution, I voted against.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report which set out the parameters of a strategic partnership agreement with Canada. I agreed with many of the aims of the report, which commits both parties to advancing democratic principles such as human rights and fundamental freedoms. Sinn Féin welcomes the commitment of both parties to combat harmful tax practices and the global threats of climate change. I also welcome that the agreement draws attention to the need for both parties to deal with the illicit trade of small arms and light weapons, organised crime, drugs and human trafficking and money laundering. However I could not support the agreement as it contained an endorsement of the recently concluded CETA agreement, as well as a commitment on both parties to improve the effectiveness of NATO and CSDP missions. Sinn Féin believes that these elements compromise Ireland’s status as a neutral state.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report giving its consent to the conclusion of the EU-Mongolia framework agreement.The resolution underlines Mongolia’s ‘constructive role’ in the region and its ‘rather exceptional established democratic credentials’ and therefore pledges for stronger relations and support to Mongolia.It does, however, point out clearly the remaining challenges in terms of Human rights and rule of law.The resolution is exceptionally positive about the ‘legitimate’ right of Mongolia to look for other economic and political alliances and cooperation (other than the EU) and even ‘encourages’ its regional integration into Chinese and Russian projects (China Belt and Silk Road, Eurasian Union). Furthermore, the resolution includes references to climate change and environmental challenges, meaning tackling extractive industries and so on.Some concerns, however, would be that is quite heavily concerned with the economic issues and trade. For instance, it calls two sides to further engage in a dialogue on bilateral and multilateral trade and trade-related issues with a view to strengthening bilateral trade relations and advancing the multilateral trade system, in compliance with WTO rules.However, in light of its positive elements, I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this technical report. In 1979 the Plurilateral Agreement on trade in Civil Aircraft was adopted at WTO level as part of the Tokyo round. This agreement eliminated import duties on all aircraft, excluding military aircraft, in particular civil aircraft engines and their parts and components. The Annex to the agreement lists all the products that are accorded duty-free treatment according to the Harmonised Commodity Description and Coding System. However since then this system has been revised. This vote was to amend the annex to this agreement by Protocol so that the international nomenclature code, which is arranged in six-digit codes allowing all participating countries to classify traded goods on a common basis, can be used.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this directive.The directive seeks to further the marketisation of climate change/environmental protection measures. So far such an approach has only succeeded in protecting large industries by allowing them to obtain permits to continue polluting or ‘free allocation allowances’.Originally, free allowances, attributed for a limited time, had the aim to help and compensate the diversified costs among MS, mainly in the energy sector. These costs were considered a key factor in global industrial costs and were seen as important to put all sectors on an equal footing. However, over time these allowances were abused and it became a pay to pollute system.The parts of this directive and amendments we support aim to strengthen environmental consistency, obtaining a Linear Reduction Factor (LFR), cancellation of a larger amount of free allocations put aside in these years. In order to have a compromise report which fully respects long term environmental goals, the most exposed sectors to carbon leakage will benefit from funds or temporary free allowances to modernise and reduce their energy costs.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of the motions to object to the Commission's regulatory technical standards (RTS) due to my serious concerns about speculation on food and its impact on rising food prices and worsening food poverty.My group, GUE/NGL initiated the process of objecting to the Commission's RTS, and the Greens and Socialists & Democrats also lodged objections.I am concerned about the role of excessive speculation on food commodities that has driven price spikes in essential food in recent years. The poorest communities in the world are hit hardest.The Markets in Financial Instruments Directive 2 passed in January 2014 introduced some measures to tackle excessive speculation but the Commission’s proposed RTS would significantly weaken the rules.

2016/11/22

. – I don’t agree that candidates for EU membership should be obliged to align themselves to the foreign affairs positions of the EU. Nor do I agree with some of the demands of the EU in relation to economic restructuring.However, I support this report on the grounds that Albania is entitled to be a member of the as long as this is the will of the people and as long as it meets all the Copenhagen criteria. I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on the file as I had a number of concerns; the notion of the concept of and differentiation between constituent people and citizens was problematic. Citizens may have a right to vote, but not all of them can be elected - only representatives of three constituent peoples (Serbs, Bosniaks, Croats), as only they are protected by Dayton Constitutional Framework. This is clearly contrary to the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights in the case Sejdic-Finci in which this system was contested.The references to both – all citizens and constituent peoples – is redundant, and it can be interpreted as ethnic preferential treatment when the country is already very much divided by ethnic lines. Neither the Commission's report nor the recommendation of the European Parliament contributes to the solution of the problems in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report. The report evaluates and endorses the existing economic governance framework in the EU, which I am fundamentally opposed to as it promotes failed austerity policies. The economic governance framework and the Economic and Monetary Union have served to implement cuts in public investment, labour income and public welfare, and promoted the privatisation of public assets, liberalisation and deregulation of markets, demand-hampering structural reforms and the loss of social and labour rights.While this report welcomes the Commission's statement on a positive fiscal stance (which suggests Member States should expand their fiscal stimulus as austerity is causing negative economic effects), it also demands that any stimulus measures must comply with the Stability and Growth Pact.

2016/11/22

. – This report advocates tackling employment, social and economic issues through the framework of the European Semester. The draft report makes a good diagnosis of the social and economic situation in most of the Member States, in terms of unemployment, poverty and social exclusion, recognising the failure of EU policies and highlighting some of the existing strategies to counteract these problems.The report blames the Member States continuously without referencing the continuous, neo-liberal policies of the EU in conjunction with its austerity policies as one of the main reasons for social and economic challenges. Yet it proposes that the answer to these problems is to reinforce the concept of the European Semester and the country-specific recommendations with some ‘social washing’ to legitimize it, while congratulating the Commission on other initiatives such as the extension of the EFSI.I voted against this report because I believe that in order to overcome anaemic growth and social depression, we cannot just mask the European Semester with socially-oriented intentions, but must propose another policy that breaks with the failed, existing austerity policies.

2016/11/22

. – We voted against this report. The annual report aims to take stock of the progress and impact of implementing the Banking Union package of legislation. The report is divided in three sections based on the three pillars of the Banking Union – supervision, resolution, and deposit insurance.This report endorses the development of the Banking Union to date and calls for its completion; refuses to acknowledge the failure of the Banking Union to deal with too-big-to-fail or end taxpayer-funded bailouts; and includes several calls for the relaxation or roll-back of some of the post-crisis financial regulation.In recent months, we have seen the first real test of the new rules on bank recovery and resolution in the Italian banking crisis. And – we have to admit – the stated goal of the Banking Union of ending pubic bailouts and solving the too-big-to-fail problem, has failed spectacularly. Italy makes it clear for the world to see that taxpayer—funded bailouts can continue under these weak and loophole-ridden rules.We need rules that truly prevent taxpayer-funded bailouts and we need to finally step up and address the too-big-to-fail problem by Bank Structural Reform that separates commercial and investment banking.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained instead of voting in favour in the final vote on this file due to legal action in the Cook Islands seeking a judicial review; Crown Law had requested the review application be struck out, but that was rejected by the High Court. The matter will now be heard before a full court hearing in March. I believe that the vote on this file should not have taken place before the court case.The legal case has been filed on behalf the traditional leaders who have accused the government of reneging on a commitment to establish 93 km exclusive zones around all islands that would be closed to foreign fishing vessels. This could be interpreted as the Cook Islands authorities placing the interests of foreign commercial fishing operators ahead of the indigenous people; authorities had insisted that the agreement would benefit the fishing industry but people are not convinced.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report, which addresses the shortcomings of the Commission’s recent May 2016 reforms to the establishment of expert groups. The issue lies in the fact that at present industry ‘experts’ outnumber academia, consumer groups and trade unions by 4:1 in these groups – particularly so when it comes to financial legislation. This means that at the very early stages of policy formulation there is a hugely disproportionate influence from corporate interests. However, the Commission’s reform experts now have to be registered on the transparency register and must submit a conflict of interest report. On the other side, even if there is a conflict of interest, this person can still be an expert. There are also no meaningful rules on the disclosure of what is said in these meetings, and worst of all, still no rules on balanced composition of expert panels. The fact that the Commission adopted these reforms without waiting for the Ombudsman’s recommendations also calls for criticism.

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report on whistleblower protection. This report specifically focuses on protection for whistleblowers who report corruption and fraud that directly involves EU funds.The report recognises the importance of whistleblowers for the correct use of EU funds and deplores the fact that the Commission has failed to submit any legislative proposals aimed at establishing a minimum level of protection for whistleblowers. It calls on the Commission to submit a legislative proposal before the end of 2017 protecting whistleblowers as part of the prevention of, and fight against, fraud affecting EU funds.This initiative relating to EU funds came in response to the ‘Trade Secrets Directive’ adopted last year. The Trade Secrets Directive reduced the rights of whistleblowers to the benefit of those of big corporations. The law on protecting trade secrets is vague in how it defines trade secrets and the protection of whistleblowers and investigative journalists is not regulated. When it comes to fraud involving European funds, the interests of whistleblowers should be given prime importance.

2016/11/22

. –This report proposes a new arrangement to ensure operational cooperation between Denmark and Europol. This is a result of the Danish people voting in a 2015 referendum against a more flexible ‘opt-in’ Europol mechanism.As a result of the referendum, and this new arrangement, from 1 May Denmark will cooperate with Europol on an intergovernmental basis, rather than under the overarching supranational affiliation of the Europol Regulation.This means that Denmark will maintain its own accountability and sovereignty, control over the personal data it shares with Europol and its own law enforcement policies.I therefore voted in favour of this report.

2016/11/22

. – Sinn Féin have been at the forefront of calling on Member States to legislate as efficiently as possible to prevent these substances from gaining a foothold in the illicit market. The objective of this proposal is to call upon the Member States to subject MDMB-CHMICA to control measures and criminal penalties as provided under their legislation by virtue of their obligations under the 1971 United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances.The high potency of MDMB-CHMICA and the highly variable amounts of the compound in ‘legal high’ products constitute a high risk of acute toxicity. Eight Member States have reported a total of 28 deaths and 25 acute intoxications associated with MDMB-CHMICA. For these reasons I voted in favour of this report

2016/11/22

. – We voted in favour of this report.The retail sector in the Netherlands has taken a severe hit in recent years with 5200 retail shops having gone bankrupt since the start of the crisis. Recently the larger department stores have started to be affected. From the start of 2015 until March 2016, the regions concerned in this EGF application, Drenth and Overijssel, have seen an increase of 3461 in the number of unemployment benefit recipients from the retail sector.The proposed EGF application was quite good and the majority of the targeted workers are quite young, so hopefully they can be catered for and helped to develop personally and to acquire some new professional skills in order to find employment in another sector of their choice.We have our concerns and issues with the EGF, but we never like to see workers suffer, therefore we voted in favour of the report.

2016/11/22

. – This INI Report aim to stress Parliament’s position on the future European Consensus on Development.We voted in favour of the report due to the many positive elements contained within, tackling inequalities, together with poverty reduction, as recognised in the Sustainable Development Goals, being a key target of EU development policies. We also supported that the report recognises that hunger and poverty are not accidents, but the result of social and economic injustice and inequality at all levels. We were also very glad to see the report state its opposition to any attempts to link aid with border control, management of migratory flows or readmission agreements.There were some negatives, such as the call for blending and public-private partnerships and the linking of security elements.Overall, the report contained some very important Parliament positions on development issues, especially gender equality, on not linking aid in any way with border control, management of migratory flows or readmission agreements, on development finance and on requirements for the private sector on human rights—related issues, even calling for binding measures in this regard. Therefore, we voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. – This own initiative report by the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality highlighted that sex and gender matter in health at all levels and impact differently on women and men’s health, access to health and health-care. However, research and practice still fail to take adequate account of differences between women and men in terms of health, illness and treatment. The main message is that there is an urgent need of improving gender equality in mental health and clinical research.The report took a strong position for the ratification of the Istanbul Convention, on how women are dramatically underrepresented in biomedical research, despite making up over half of the EU population; it also highlighted that mental health and wellbeing are heavily gendered and influenced by many factors such as socioeconomic factors, income disparities and discrimination, and it argued for measures against female genital mutilation. Therefore, I voted in favour of this report.

2016/11/22

. – The Commission on the Status of Women will hold its 61st session in March 2017, and in order to contribute to the debates the FEMM Committee has drafted this proposal for a European Parliament recommendation to the Council on the EU priorities for this 61st session.Overall, this was a strong but concise report which had many positives, and therefore we voted in favour of it.Some of the important points included general conditions for empowering women and girls through access to education, combating all forms of violence against women, promoting decent work and full employment, ensuring universal access to sexual and reproductive health care and reproductive rights, enhancing women’s economic empowerment and overcoming barriers on the labour market, policies on equal pay for equal work, new investments in social care, support for an ILO convention to address gender-based violence at the workplace.The strongest part of the report was its focus on reinforcing the need to combat violence against women, including sexual violence, and to abolish child labour, combating land grabbing and the importance of land and an inalienable right for peasant and indigenous women.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained on this report. The proposal is technical and empowers the Commission with implementing powers to implement aspects of the EU-Kosovo Agreement that was signed in 2015.The actual Agreement (note – not this report) says that certain agricultural and fishery products originating in Kosovo may be imported into the EU at a reduced customs duty, within the limits of tariff quotas. This report proposes to confer implementing powers on the Commission regarding managing, reviewing and assessing these quotas.I am in favour of normalisation of relations between the EU and an independent Kosovo. However, Sinn Féin abstained on the vote on the Agreement in 2016 over a number of concerns on the content including the fact that it forces Kosovo to abide by EU laws on competition, for example. As I abstained on the Agreement, it was appropriate for me to abstain on this report.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report. It is a proposal to amend a regulation that lays down the common rules for imports of textile products from Belarus and North Korea, both of which are not covered by bilateral agreements or rules.The proposal is to abolish the autonomous quotas on import of textiles and clothing originating in Belarus. It won’t have a significant impact on the EU textile industry, but politically it is a concession aimed to improve relations between the EU and Belarus.The Committee on International Trade (INTA) is claiming that Belarus is making big step forward on human rights with the release of political prisoners, but there are still many human rights concerns, including the death penalty. I voted against the report on the grounds of the country’s poor human rights record.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report which gives consent to conclusion of the agreement on continuing the International Science and Technology Centre. This centre was founded in 1994 by the USA, Japan, Russia and the European Atomic Energy Community and European Economic Community with the aim to reduce the risks related to the proliferation of the weapons from ex-Soviet countries.The centre had gradually developed into a field of cooperation between countries in order to promote improvement of international mechanisms for the prevention of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and to develop such innovative systems that would ensure security on the one hand and economic growth for the whole continent on the other.The aim of the report is to allow that the centre continue its activities, after the Russian Federation withdrew from the agreement in 2010, a decision in force from 2015. Since the centre’s main aim is the prevention of proliferation of WMD and promotion of security, I have voted in favour of the report.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this resolution, which was a proposal to object to the delegated act that came from my GUE/NGL colleagues during the one-month scrutiny period, and was supported by most of the other political groups.The reason behind the objection is based on a number of deficiencies in the Commission’s delegated act but in particular the fact that the Commission is proposing to continue relying on an ineffective external mutual-evaluation process run the Financial Action Task Force instead of carrying out its own assessments on deficiencies and risk relating to money laundering in non-EU countries. For example, Panama and other secrecy and tax haven jurisdictions are fine, according to this evaluation process. I want to see a more ambitious proposal from the Commission which is why I supported the Parliament’s objection.

2016/11/22

. – This report highlights the need for an improved EU strategy on freight logistics, taking into account environmental challenges, encouraging improved work conditions to attract young workers to the sector, and promoting a greater use of multimodal infrastructure, new technologies and statistics gathering.It also acknowledges some of the challenges faced in cross-border regions, and while it focuses a lot on the ‘core’ transport corridors in Europe, it highlights the need to further develop ‘non-core’ corridors as well, in order to promote more balanced development.While many parts of the report are therefore positive, it focuses heavily on increased competition as a ‘fix-all’ solution to complex problems. It calls for EU Member States to remove national ‘regulatory barriers’ to greater free market competition as quickly as possible, and calls on the Commission to take legal action against countries that don’t. I therefore abstained on the report.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report as I feel it is important that Parliament has a contribution of a strong social and equality-based report to the Commission consultation on the European pillar of social rights (EPSR), to influence the direction of the EPSR.I have always called for the EU to be more ambitious and for a social and caring Europe. The EPSR, if carried out correctly can be this.By voting for this report it is my hope that through the contributions made by Parliament, social partners and civil society that the EPSR can be aligned so as to guarantee social rights in the manner that citizens deserve, and in a manner that will combat poverty, income inequality and other serious social injustices.The EPSR provides a great chance for the EU to move in a new direction, to prove it has the capability to change post in how the union works post-Brexit. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that the European Union does not let European citizens down and that it seizes the opportunity which the EPSR presents.Therefore, I voted in favour of this report.

2016/11/22

. – I abstained in the vote on the motion for a resolution on tackling the challenges of the EU Customs Code (UCC) implementation.While I agree that the UCC is in need of updating, and anomalies and faults have to be corrected, there were a few points in the motion for a resolution which I did not agree with.I agree that an independent impact assessment should be carried out, by 2021, to ensure that the regulatory framework of EU customs policy, including the new UCC, is effective, proportionate and fit for purpose both for Member States and for trade operators. However, I abstained on the final vote because of point 2, which calls for the Commission to take a proactive approach in the development of interposable IT systems for health certificates. I believe this to be an issue of subsidiarity, as health is a Member State competence. Furthermore, the reference to the digital single market raises none of the concerns that Member States and citizens have about it, painting it instead in a glowing light.

2016/11/22

Written declarations (6)

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(240 KB) DOC(59 KB)
Authors: Lynn BOYLAN, Nessa CHILDERS, Marian HARKIN, Liadh NÍ RIADA, Josu JUARISTI ABAUNZ, Matt CARTHY, Stelios KOULOGLOU, Tania GONZÁLEZ PEÑAS, Martina ANDERSON, Marina ALBIOL GUZMÁN, Estefanía TORRES MARTÍNEZ, Miguel URBÁN CRESPO

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(241 KB) DOC(59 KB)
Authors: Lynn BOYLAN, Brian HAYES, Michèle RIVASI, Tania GONZÁLEZ PEÑAS, Marina ALBIOL GUZMÁN, Josu JUARISTI ABAUNZ, Neoklis SYLIKIOTIS, Nessa CHILDERS, Paloma LÓPEZ BERMEJO, Takis HADJIGEORGIOU, Matt CARTHY, Liadh NÍ RIADA, Martina ANDERSON

2016/11/22
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