Calleary welcomes substantial progress in EGF supports for former DELL workers

The Minister for Labour Affairs, Dara Calleary, T.D., today [15 April 2010] welcomed the positive responses from those participating in the inaugural meeting of the Steering Committee which is advising on the effective implementation of measures supported by the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) for those former workers at the Dell plant in Raheen and ancillary enterprises made redundant in 2009 as a result of globalisation impacts. The meeting was held in Limerick on Tuesday 13^th April.

The Committee includes a significant component of former workers at DELL and other affected companies together with representatives and stakeholders from industry, the educational and entrepreneurial support sectors and relevant State agencies and is chaired by Oliver Egan, Assistant Director General in FAS.

The Minister said “I understand yesterday’s meeting was a lengthy but productive one and that the next meeting is scheduled towards the end of the month. There is a lot which has been done already and is being done with EGF support in the Mid West and which is perhaps only now starting to become visible”.

In relation to concrete measures the Minister highlighted:

• The guidance service provided by FAS to over 1,900 former workers to date with some 300 persons receiving training in 2009;

• That in the first quarter of 2010 training and educational activity has increased with over 200 EGF clients currently enrolled in evening classes;

• That over 250 EGF clients are currently registered with the Limerick City Adult Education Service;

• That both Limerick Institute of Technology and University Limerick have implemented a broad range of educational programmes for EGF clients;

• That course provision with private training and educational providers is being funded through a tailored EGF training support grant administered by FAS with over 150 clients having availed of this particular support to date;

• The launch by FAS of a community based initiative for over 100 EGF clients;

• That some 225 clients are currently registered with the City and County Enterprise Boards and are undertaking start your own business programmes;

• The commencement of a dedicated EGF internship programme in partnership with the medical devices sector which will see over 80 clients attending a series of workshops in April with successful candidates progressing into the full internship programme in June 2010;

He stressed “The work of the Steering Committee and the contribution of the former workers representatives in that forum is very important in ensuring this momentum is continued. I wish publicly to thank all those participating and helping to ensure that we get the most suitable measures and programmes possible in place”.

The Minister also praised the work of the dedicated FAS EGF Coordination Unit established to ensure the efficient coordination of all services provided across the Mid West region with EGF support. He said the relationship built up between the Unit and eligible participants for EGF support and with the Dell Redundant Workers Association was key to the driving forward of the programme of measures. “There is very good work being done on all sides which I am confident will continue and grow. I have committed to reviewing the overall programme in June to ensure that we are maximising the reach of the programme and to identify any additional or innovative measures that might be further considered”.

ENDS/LA363