Minister of State Tony Killeen T.D. has welcomed the Government's announcement that it has made an application to the European Commission for emergency EU aid to retrain workers affected by the job losses at Dell.The Clare Deputy said that the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) Application was a significant step forward in supporting training and other active labour market measures for the 2000 Dell workers being made redundant at Raheen and in ancillary enterprises such as Banta Global Turnkey. The European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) aims to support workers, mainly in regions and sectors, which have been disadvantaged by exposure to the globalised economy. It has a maximum annual budget of 500 million euros to facilitate the reintegration into employment of 35000 to 50000 workers.
Minister of State Killeen said he had received confirmation from the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mary Coughlan T.D. that her Department has submitted the application following consultation with FÁS, Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, the Mid West Region’s City and County Enterprise Boards, and other relevant agencies and bodies. The Tánaiste also engaged directly with the EU Commissioner responsible for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, Mr. Vladimir Ŝpidla, in relation to Ireland’s application.
Minister Killeen stated that the Government has submitted the application to support the training and other active labour market measures for the many of workers affected in the Mid West region and to ensure that they benefit in a way that meets their individual needs and gives them well-grounded hope for future employment through training opportunities. He pointed out that the Government, with the support of regional agencies and other relevant bodies, remained committed to providing assistance to manufacturing employees at Dell in their efforts to source new employment and upskill themselves where necessary.
