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Coughlan denies redundant Dell staff claims over European fund
TANAISTE Mary Coughlan has rejected claims made by the Dell Redundant Workers Association that the government is not being flexible enough with the European Globalisation Fund.
A number of members of the group - which represents two-thirds of the 1,900 people made redundant from Dell in Raheen - appeared before the Oireachtas Committee on Trade, Enterprise and Employment to voice their concerns on confusion on the €23m fund.
The continent-wide scheme was given the green light by Europe last November. Among other things it can be used for job search assistance, a return to education, or the promotion of entreprenerism.
However, there has been anger in recent weeks after it emerged that hundreds of former workers who wanted to take part in private college courses were unable to do so under the fund.
The government has made some effort to correct this, but various concerns still remain.
Tanaiste Coughlan said, however, that the fact Limerick East TD Michael Noonan of Fine Gael refuted claims by the Dell Redundant Workers Association - headed by Denis Ryan - said a lot.
She added: "Unfortunately some people are using the difficulties we have in this region for political purposes, which is totally unsustainable. I was in a position to change the social welfare code with Minister Mary Hanafin last week so people can keep their social welfare benefits. Its important to say the institutes and universities have been very forthcoming with new projects and proposals."
Trade and Employment Minister Coughlan - who has tasked Mayo TD Dara Calleary and FAS with the management of the fund - added: "There has been a delay by a number of people who feel we should change the criteria.
The Minister of State (Calleary] has said this is not acceptable: time is of the essence. We need to move on very very quickly to make sure this money is drawn down, to make sure people are supported. We have a huge success in the two day opportunity we had in Limerick. Let's get on with the job."
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