EU money for Dell workers depends on government plan

THE European Union had indicated it would back an Irish request for a financial package to help soon-to-be redundant Dell workers, but stressed the need for the Government to draw up a comprehensive programme for getting those affected back to work.

EU Commissioner for Social Affairs and Employment, Vladmir Spidla told Irish MEPs during a meeting he was acutely aware of the situation at Limerick where 1,900 Dell workers are due to be laid off in two months time, putting several thousand more jobs in jeopardy.

Government officials have been in touch with his office about making an application for funds to retrain workers, find them new jobs, or help them set up their own businesses.