Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

The EU globalisation fund was designed to assist unemployed people to get back into the workforce through training, education and assistance in setting up their own businesses. EU officials were in Waterford last week for a public meeting organised by Mr. Sean Kelly, MEP and Senator Coffey. The EU officials responsible for the implementation of this fund were shocked to hear the State agencies have not yet been informed or briefed by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment on their role in the roll-out of this fund. There has been no communication between the Department and the agencies, some of whom were present at the meeting. This is an absolute disgrace. It is another case of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment being asleep at the wheel.

Senator Ryan alluded to SR Technics workers. Three applications were made, one for SR Technics, one for Dell and one for Waterford Crystal, yet EU officials told us the construction sector or other companies can be linked to make application for funds to help unemployed people. This Government has been asleep and has not made applications for this group of workers. This matter must be debated in the House and I support the amendment to the Order of Business. We are talking about jobs, which should be the number one priority for each of us in this House. This must be debated in early course.