Tuesday, February 02, 2010
FORMER Dell workers were warned that the millions of euro allocated to help them return to work should not be regarded as winning the Lottery.
The special fund for people who lost their jobs after the US computer giant pulled out of Limerick last year is to top €23 million.
Junior Minister Dara Calleary said the EU is contributing €14.8m, with the remainder provided by the Government.
"Much work has already been done in supporting those made redundant in the mid-west region. The supports now being provided with the assistance of the European Globalisation Fund will further enhance that service provision but should not be regarded as the equivalent of a winning Lottery ticket."
The minister said the core requirements of occupational guidance, training and upskilling remain the tried and proven platform for readying many of those made redundant to return to employment at the earliest available opportunity.
He told the workers the funding will be allocated through educational and other state agencies, such as Fás and Enterprise Ireland.
A senior manager with Fás has been appointed to head a group to oversee the management of the money.
Alan Kelly, MEP, who was to the fore in the European Parliament in getting money from the EU, said he wanted flexibility on how the money was used to help those eligible to receive assistance.
"There have been mixed messages that social welfare payments may be affected and we want this sorted out. We also want to ensure the fund is ring fenced for the Dell situation and not used to supplement existing Fás and IDA courses.
"We will also want to ensure people who want to pursue further education can do so in their own parts of the country, or outside the country if necessary."
* Information days are being held for workers on February 11 and 12, at the South Court Hotel in Limerick.
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