Sean Kelly MEP Statement: Waterford Globalisation Fund - Commission Gives Green Light to Transfer of Funds

Waterford Globalisation Fund - Commission Gives Green Light to
Transfer of Funds - Simple Message - Help Workers to Help Themselves
I was delighted this month to welcome the European Commission's approval of the application for Waterford European Globalisation Adjustment Fund. I called for a swift passage of the file through Parliament and urged authorities to continue efforts to help former workers to retrain and up-skill. This is a shot in the arm to the former workers of Waterford Crystal.
Senator Paudie Coffey and I arranged for the Commission to come to Waterford to meet face to face with workers. The impetus given by these meetings has ensured a successful application for funding has been concluded.
I convened a further meeting with senior Commission officials to make the case for employees of suppliers to Waterford Crystal. These monies will definitely arrive - so there is no longer any reason, for bodies tasked with deploying the funds, such as the Enterprise Boards, WIT and FAS, not to start deploying courses to retrain and up-skill workers.
I would also like to encourage people, to approach your local Enterprise
Boards to get help to start up businesses. Waterford needs energy and courage to fight its way out of the jobs crisis. The EGF money can offer a little help to workers to help themselves to fight for a prosperous future for the South East.