Ireland: MEP Colm Burke campaigns in Waterford

MEP Colm Burke has issued the following statement:

In my recent campaign visit to Waterford jobs, jobs, jobs” was key message from people and also that the Government must apply for European funding for Waterford immediately. The message from the people of Waterford could not be clearer; Waterford has suffered more than most counties from the economic downturn. Many people I have met on the canvass are struggling to cope and are desperate for the Government to take a proactive lead in ensuring that Waterford receives its fair share of support and European funding.

I voted recently in the European Parliament to change the criteria under which applications can be made for the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund. It will now be easier for EU funds to be deployed to help laid off workers in Waterford Crystal and in downstream companies which have also been affected.

The Government must apply for monies from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund as a matter of urgency to deliver benefits for the laid off workers in Munster. The Government has no reason not to submit an application now. Any delay on the Government’s part will only further prolong the struggle being experienced by Waterford workers and their families.. There is also nothing preventing the Government from now putting mechanisms in place to prepare for the retraining and up skilling of those that have been made redundant.

Under the new rules, member states will be able to apply for financial support for businesses that lay off 500 or more workers, as opposed to the current threshold of 1,000.Over the next two years, the level of EU-provided financial support will increase to 75%, compared to the current 50%,. The ball is now in the Government’s court to proceed with an application. If it is successful the EU will provide €3 to match every euro the Government puts forward, up until now it was euro for euro.In real terms this should mean greater funding to help retrain and upskill and give entrepreneurial advice to workers laid off. It sends a strong message from the heart of Europe that funds are there to help those who, through no fault of their own, are affected by this crisis. Assistance of this kind is paramount so that those laid off can recover and drive Ireland out of recession.