What are your thoughts on how the latest proposed amendments to the Irish Firearms Acts - as contained in the Criminal Justice (Misc.Provisions) Bill 2009 - contravene the EU directive on Firearms (91/477/EEC) by requiring all Irish firearms owners to only purchase ammunition or firearms from Irish registered firearms dealers instead of the current (and in force since 1964) laws that allow them to purchase from any registered firearms dealer in the EU so long as the appropriate paperwork is in place?
Reply from Eoin Ryan, Jnr
no reply so far
Europe's role in the world
31.05.2009
Question from
My question relates to Europe’s Overseas Aid policy.
Would you campaign to ensure that the European Parliament and the European Commission put pressure on Member States to meet their individual aid targets of 0.7% of Gross National Income by 2015?
Given the current economic problems there is a risk that Member States will cut back their overseas aid budget. Failure to meet aid commitments puts the most vulnerable people in the world at risk.
Would you also campaign to ensure that EU overseas aid is transparent and the Accra Agenda for Action is implemented to ensure that aid reaches those people that need it most?
Thank you
03.06.2009
Reply from Eoin Ryan, Jnr
Dear ,
Supporting sustainable development in the Developing world is one of my key priorities. The EU is the world´s biggest donor of overseas development aid, but we must ensure that this aid is reaching those that need it most. As an MEP I have campaigned for transparency and effectiveness in aid policy, and with six colleagues from across the political spectrum in the European Parliament initiated a petition to fight corruption, especially in EU relations with third countries ( www.stopcorruption.eu ).
The economic crisis has impacted upon many of Europe´s long and short term spending projects, however I believe that the EU and Member States can continue to work together, with our partners in emerging economies and in the developing world, to ensure that EU ODA is effective and is reaching those it can help most.
Yours sincerely,
Eoin Ryan
Social policy
28.05.2009
Question from
I refer to my question of 19/05/09. I note with regret that, to date, you have not responded. Considering the fact that you and other candidates in this election continuously state the important effect that decisions made in the European Parliament can have on Irish society and also considering the importance of the role of An Post in our society, do you not believe that the electorate have a right to know your view on a piece of legislation that could have such a major impact on both the urban and rural communities in our society?
03.06.2009
Reply from Eoin Ryan, Jnr
Dear ,
Thank you for your query and apologies for the delay in responding, however I did not receive your question dated 19/05/09. I will address the concerns you have outlined with the Postal Directive in your question dated 28.05.2009.
An Post is adapting to the changing realities of the market and will continue to provide the economic and social services that are so important to Ireland. At the European level the European Union´s third Postal Directive can bring benefits to consumers and lead to a dynamic, competitive market. The directive specifies that each Member State shall ensure that the provision of the universal service is guaranteed and shall notify the European Commission of the steps it has taken to fulfill this obligation.
In passing the third Postal Services Directive, we in the European Parliament fought hard for guarantees against the degradation of working condition as well as on the protection of postal workers. In terms of the universal service obligation: the Directive states that Member States may ensure the provision of universal services by procuring such services in accordance with public procurement rules and regulations. If it is determined that the universal service obligations entail an unfair financial burden on the universal service provider a mechanism can be introduced to compensate the undertaking concerned from public funds or to share of the net cost of the universal service obligations between providers of services and/or users. If such a sharing of burden occurs, Member States may establish a compensation fund that may be funded by service providers and/or users´ fees, and is administered for this purpose by an independent body. Therefore, I do not envisage that tax payers´ money will be needed to fund An Post, especially given the fact that the company has been preparing for full market liberalisation for some time.
I know how important postal services and post offices are to the fabric of Ireland and I consider it vitally important to protect this public service. I have always and will always fight for jobs and employment in Ireland.
Thank you again for your question. If you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact my office directly.
Yours sincerely,
Eoin Ryan
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Lisbon Treaty
19.05.2009
Question from
If you do not get elected do you think we should made vote again and again until you do get elected?
Reply from Eoin Ryan, Jnr
no reply so far
EU defence
19.05.2009
Question from
How do you feel about the fact that our tax payers money will be spent on military equipment and hardware? This amount will be dictated to us by the EDA European Defence Agency. When we don´t have enough money for hospitals or education for our children. Your party want a yes vote for lisbon. By voting yes you are voting for the EDA. .. The EDA is a central part of the Lisbon treaty...
Hospitals NOT Helicopters I say.
04.06.2009
Reply from Eoin Ryan, Jnr
Dear ,
Thank you very much for your query. Participation in the Agency imposes no obligations on Ireland in relation to increased expenditure of defence or on the development or enhancement of DefenceForce capabilities. All decisions regarding the nature and scale of resources invested in defence and the nature of defence capabilities are entirely a matter for each individual Member State of the Union. In addition, there is no obligation or commitment as a participating member State to participate in any particular project undertaken by the Agency. Any decision to participate in any particular project is a matter for each Member State to decide in accordance with its national decision making procedures.
The specific provision in the Lisbon Treaty pertaining to the Agency confirms the existing arrangements regarding the establishment and management of the Agency. The provisions in the Treaty, if implemented, will not alter the sovereign right of Ireland, as of each other Member State, to decide whether to participate in any particular activity or project. Moreover, all decisions in relation to expenditure on defence or the development of defence capabilities will continue to remain exclusively within the domain of the national decision making procedures of each member state.
