Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

I am delighted the Tánaiste has tabled the amendment in response to the issues I raised, for which I thank him. Paragraph (iii) requires that the training must be "completed within 6 months of the termination of employment". It would be better if it could be completed within 12 months, to provide extra flexibility. Many workers, particularly those being made redundant by multinationals, do not have much choice regarding such packages which are given on a take it or leave it basis. However, many of the packages have much to recommend them. There should be a focus on educational opportunity that, in turn, might facilitate people to go on and get a degree, seriously upskill and be able to compete for some of the jobs which employers are telling us they cannot fill owing to shortages. I accept the Tánaiste's amendment in spirit in which it was tabled. I am just making the point because it was made to me by shop stewards from the particular company in question.

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