As well as our usual Strasbourg plenary session later this month, we had a 2 day mini-plenary here in Brussels from 6-8 October. We debated and voted on a number of issues, as well as discussing the positive result of the Irish referendum on the Lisbon Treaty.

Funds to Abruzzo earthquake region

I voted in favour of sending money from the EU Solidarity Fund to Italy. The Abruzzo region of Italy was badly affected by a powerful earthquake earlier this year, and it is vital to use the Solidarity Fund as quickly as possible to help the region rebuild.

Financial Transaction

I abstained from the vote on a financial transaction tax. Following the G20 summit in Pittsburgh, it is vital that we take speedy measures to back-up the commitments made to strengthening the world economy.  I am in favour of a tax on financial market transactions as a way of achieving this, but I believe it needs to be at the global level, rather than European level, in order to be effective.

G20 Pittsburgh Summit

Along with my Socialist colleagues I welcome the progress made since the last G20 summit, but am concerned about the action that still needs to be taken.  Unemployment is serious concern, and it is vital that the G20 nations take all measures possible to tackle unemployment, as well as promote open trade and strengthen commitments to environmental concerns.

Developing World Assistance

I strongly share the concerns of my Socialist colleagues on the effects the global financial crisis has had on the developing world. As the world's leading aid donor, the EU has a significant role to play in helping developing countries, particularly as they did not cause the global financial crisis, but have disproportionately suffered from it. The Socialist Party are pressing for EU member states to fulfil their commitments to providing international aid, and not to use the current financial crisis as a pretext for not meeting their development commitments.

During the plenary session MEPs gave their reaction to the Irish referendum accepting the Treaty of Lisbon.  I am strongly in favour of the Treaty and the more effective decision-making that the European Union will have. The Treaty also clearly establishes the role of national parliaments and the European Parliament, and strengthens the role of the European Parliament in EU decision-making.  I am pleased that Ireland has voted in favour of such a move to strengthen democracy within the EU, and I hope the final stages of ratification will happen soon.