Offaly MEP appointed to EU-UK trade deal committee
Former TD Barry Cowen was elected to European Parliament in June
OFFALY-based Member of the European Parliament Barry Cowen has been appointed as the representative for the Renew Europe group on the parliament's Monitoring Committee for trade agreement negotiations between the European Union and the United Kingdom.
A statement on Mr Cowen's behalf said the appointment comes at a pivotal moment, as the EU embarks on its first major trade negotiations with the UK in the post-Brexit era.
Commenting on his appointment, the Fianna Fail MEP stated: “It is essential that Ireland's unique position, role, and interests are reflected in this important trade deal. I will work diligently to ensure that these considerations are taken into account in any proposed agreement.”
As a member of the Monitoring Committee, MEP Cowen will play a key role in overseeing the development of the trade deal, and ensuring that the agreement also reflects the interests of Ireland.
Ireland's role in this negotiation was described as being of particular importance due to its close economic, political, and geographical ties to both the EU and the UK.
Mr Cowen, TD in Offaly from 2011, was elected to the European Parliament in the Midlands North West constituency in June.
Meanwhile, a Fine Gael MEP for the same European Parliament constituency, Maria Walsh, has been appointed as a full member of the parliament’s Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM), and has committed to tackling gender-based violence as her number one priority.
In a statement, Ms Walsh said her other priorities as a member of the Gender Equality committee include providing supports for female farmers and women in rural areas, supporting the financing of female-founded businesses, and ensuring that gender equality remains a central consideration in justice and home affairs.
Ms Walsh said: “The fight against gender based violence is at the top of my list of priorities as I join the Gender Equality committee this week. Last year in Ireland, physical violence reports were up 74% while there was an 87% increase in economic abuse.
“While a lot of the legislative heavy-lifting was done last term with the passing of the Directive on combating violence against women, my focus will be ensuring its full and proper transposition into national law by all member states between now and June 2027 - with a particular focus on the implementation by the Irish Government.
“Sadly, the fact that we do not have a Commissioner dedicated to Equality is a somewhat regressive step in our fight for women’s rights. Equality is now a minor focus in the multi-task portfolio; Commissioner for Crisis Management and Preparedness, and Equality. Any mention of equality was also noticeably absent from President von der Leyen’s State of the Union address last July.
“I will be working hard to ensure that equality for women, LGBTI members and other minority groups are on the political agenda of the incoming Commissioner.
"In my work on the Justice Committee, I remain committed to advocating for policies that address systemic gender imbalances and protect women’s rights. In particular, I will work on intensifying efforts to combat human trafficking, a crime that overwhelmingly targets women.
“With the EU Anti-Trafficking Directive set to come into force in 2026, I will work to ensure public authorities have stronger tools to investigate and prosecute emerging forms of exploitation, including those occurring online. Additionally, I will prioritise ensuring that victims and support organisations receive enhanced support and funding.
“Gender equality has always been central to my work, and I am honoured to join the Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee this term.”