EC Aids Redundant Waterford Crystal Staff

Ireland's application for EC assistance for redundant workers in a high profile crystal manufacturer has been approved.

The Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills, Mary Coughlan, welcomed the announcement by the European Parliament of its approval of the aid.

It comes under the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) and will go to benefit over 650 workers made redundant at the Waterford Crystal Kilbarry plant and in ancillary enterprises in 2009.

The EGF application is for just under €4m, of which the Government is providing almost €1.4m, with the remainder coming from the EGF.

The Tánaiste said: "This is the second EGF application in support of redundant Irish workers affected by the adverse impacts of globalisation to be approved for assistance under the Fund.

"We are appreciative of this support. It responds to the strong case made by the Government and EU recognition that the measures to assist workers formerly employed in Waterford Crystal justify financial support."

In referring to the co-ordination of the supports for retraining, upskilling, enterprise development and educational opportunities which are to be part-funded by the EGF, the Tánaiste continued: "I am pleased to announce the establishment of a Waterford Crystal EGF Steering Committee under the chairmanship of the Waterford City Manager, Michael Walsh."

She explained that the Steering Committee will include representatives of the former workers and will advise on the implementation of relevant EGF funded measures and ensure that the former workers are kept informed on, and in turn inform, the EGF process.

The Chairman intends to convene the first meeting of the Committee before the end of this month.

Since the Kilbarry and related redundancies last year the relevant State agencies have been implementing measures in support of the Waterford Crystal workers and those in a number of ancillary enterprises.

Occupational guidance, CV preparation and interview skills have been provided by FÁS to over 480 redundant workers.

Almost 250 redundant workers have availed of training places to date in disciplines as diverse as computing, warehousing, welding, forklift and HGV driving as well as external courses supported through the FÁS technical employment support grant.

The aim of these supports is to better enable redundant workers to augment existing craft skills with broader or additional skillsets with a view to their accessing, or being ready to access, employment opportunities as they arise.

In conjunction with the Waterford Institute of Technology FÁS is funding a foundation course at Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications in study skills, personal development and recognised prior learning.

In conjunction with Waterford Vocational Education Committee a foundation for further education course at FETAC levels 4 and 5 which is aimed at older workers is provided by FÁS in communications, personal effectiveness and IT skill.

The Vocational Education Committees, Enterprise Ireland and the City and County Enterprise Boards are also offering a range of educational and enterprise supports to former workers in areas such as childcare, business studies, ECDL, healthcare, sound engineering, print journalism, start your own business advice and business mentoring.

(BMcC/GK)