Abbott workers may be able to access EU fund

There could be a silver lining on the horizon for the 180 Abbott workers in Sligo who will lose their jobs next year.

An Irish MEP has written to the Minister for Jobs Richard Bruton suggesting he apply to the European Globalisation Fund.

Marian Harkin believes the fund could be used for retraining, up-skilling or to provide financial aid for new start ups.

The fund is normally triggered when more than 500 jobs are lost, but the Independent MEP says there are exceptions: "I can't definitely say we would get the fund on this but I can say there is a possibility for countries where the figures are less than 500 to apply.

"Lithuania have applied successfully. It's there, let's use it. We're losing nothing by applying, it is a good case."