Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

While I do not seek to take personal credit, I met Commissioner Spidla more than a year ago to discuss the globalisation fund. The fund is a positive step and an acknowledgement by the European Union of the difficulties created by globalisation, its impact on employment and the problems that flow from it. It should be noted that moneys from the fund are not paid directly to individuals but used to provide training programmes. I am reliably informed that every person affected will be interviewed to identify his or her needs in terms of training programmes, skill sets and so forth.

While I would have liked to discuss all the points raised by Deputies, time does not permit me to do so. We will take on board the issues raised. We are all critically aware of the importance of ensuring people do not drift into long-term employment, as occurred in the 1980s when people became removed from the education process, upskilling and retraining. We must avoid long-term unemployment at all costs.

Deputies should not downplay the importance of the mid-west and the significant advantages it enjoys.

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