Phil Prendergast MEP
Why I got involved in politics
I got involved in politics in 1985. Working as a nurse and later a midwife in hospitals in Ireland and the UK, I saw first-hand what really matters to people.
And I learned how fulfilling it can be to work with others to make things better.
But I wanted to do more. And I felt the best way of doing that was through politics. I joined Labour because it has always been Ireland’s progressive party.
It has always been the first to give a voice to those who were being ignored.
And it has never been connected to any golden circles.
My Work in Europe
I am a member of the following Committees and Delegations of the European Parliament.
The Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO)
The Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI)
Committee on Petitions PETI
The EU/US Interparliamentary Delegation.
Delegation for Relations with Switzerland and Norway
The EU-Iceland Joint Parliamentary Committee
The European Economic Area (EEA) Joint Parliamentary Committee.
Key Issues
Agriculture - The renegotiation of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in 2013 is crucial to the future of Irish agriculture and rural development. The negotiations will lead to changes that could have both positive and negative effects in Ireland. Irish MEPs must ensure that the CAP reforms have a overall constructive impact on our agriculture sector and the rural way of life.
Workers' Rights - I want to see the EU protect and strengthen workers' rights. The EU has a massive impact on the way in which people work; on rates of pay and equal pay for equal work; on pension provisions and the right to move within Europe to look for work. It is vital that we prevent a race to the bottom and that workers' rights are not forgotten in the development of the Internal Market.
Connecting Munster to the EU - I aim to ensure the people of Munster have a strong voice in Europe. I will communicate our views so that our communities can prosper and influence the development of a fairer, more equal EU. I will communicate back to the people of Munster what is happening in Brussels and beyond so that we are better informed and better prepared for the future. To see what I am doing in Europe look around my website, or follow me on Twitter and Facebook.
Aside from my work in Europe I am also concerned with issues relating to health, social protection and jobs. When I was a Senator (2007-2011) I was the Labour Party spokesperson on the Older Person and this remains an important issue to me. I also have a strong interest in the issues facing younger people.
If you want to find out more or contact me check out my website philprendergast.ie or send me an email on phil@philprendergast.ie.
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