Support for Dell workers must be fast-tracked

FINE Gael’s deputy spokesperson on foreign affairs, Pat Breen has expressed his concern at the news that agreement has not yet been finalised which would see funding released to assist the 2,400 workers made redundant in the computer industry, including former employees of Dell.

The Clare deputy raised this matter recently with the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mary Coughlan following the announcement by the EU President José Barroso on a visit to the Mid-West Region that the EU Commission had agreed to grant-aid these workers in Ireland to the tune of €14.8 million.
“While the EU Commission has agreed to grant-aid Ireland to the tune of €14.8 million from the European Globalisation Fund to assist over 2,400 made redundant in the computer industry including former Dell Workers, the stamp of approval must be given by both the EU Council and EU Parliament,” the Fine Gael TD stressed.
“According to the Tánaiste, this process could now take until the end of the year which means that it is very unlikely that the former Dell workers will receive any assistance until next year.
The whole point of this grant aid is to ensure that these workers were retrained and reskilled and that every effort would be made so that they could secure alternative employment. Now it appears this process is going to be delayed,” he said.
Deputy Breen said while the Tánaiste has promised that these workers will be informed in the next number of weeks as to what services and retraining will be made available to them, he believes that she should be taking a more hands on approach. “She should ensure that this matter is on the top of the agenda and the agreement is fast-tracked when she meets with her counterparts at the next Council Meeting,” he said.
In reply to a Dáil question, Minister Coughlan confirmed that the department made an application for assistance from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) for workers made redundant at the Dell plant in Raheen and in ancillary enterprises last June.
“In September 2009, the European Commission approved the application. However, it remains to be agreed also by the European Council and the European Parliament. A decision by both bodies is expected later this year.
“In the interim, FÁS and other relevant bodies such as Enterprise Ireland, City and County Enterprise Boards and the local Vocational Education Committees continue to make their full range of employment, training, guidance and advisory services available to the redundant workers concerned.
“A working group comprised of these bodies, IDA Ireland, the Higher Education Authority and relevant third-level education institutions, in consultation with my department and the Departments of Education and Science and Social and Family Affairs, is currently considering the most appropriate mechanisms for the deployment of the anticipated support from the EGF,” she said.