Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 5 March 2013

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs

Forthcoming General Affairs Council: Discussion with Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

4:10 pm

Photo of Eamon GilmoreEamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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There is no specific duration. The duration will be both country and scheme specific. For example, people in this country can access JobBridge and avail of the various interventions relating to employment activation. There are also various forms of education and training arrangements. As the Senator is aware, the Departments of Social Protection and Education and Skills are expanding the range of education and training opportunities being provided. I refer to the training opportunities being provided through SOLAS, the VECs, the private sector, etc. The process in this regard will continue.

The European Investment Bank is very much in the picture with regard to the stimulus package negotiated by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Brendan Howlin. Senator Fidelma Healy Eames referred to the €50 million for school projects and also to the funding for primary health care centres. Again, these form part of the package of measures to which I refer. There is significant potential for involvement on the part of the European Investment Bank, particularly in the development of infrastructure which will generate employment.

I will obtain for the Senator a direct reply on the issue relating to the situation in Bangladesh. I do not have any information with me on that matter.