Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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I have received and will reply shortly to further representations from the Dell Redundant Workers Association (DRWA) in relation to the European Globalisation Fund (EGF). The measures and supports being provided under the Dell EGF programme are available to all eligible persons encompassed by the programme, and not just to those persons engaged in FÁS programmes. The measures and supports were based on the inputs provided by a range of service providers and include occupational guidance, training and upskilling, educational and enterprise supports. By the end of March 2011, some 2,500 beneficiaries had been provided with guidance, training and upskilling, educational and enterprise supports under the Dell EGF programme.

In Ireland, significant mobility allowance payments and the purchase of computer equipment are not part of the domestically-funded supports provided to unemployed persons either attending private courses funded through FÁS or attending publicly-funded education courses. Similarly, job search allowances are not part of the domestically-funded supports provided to unemployed persons. As such, a decision was taken by the former Minister for Education and Skills not to include measures of these types were not included in the EGF application.

It is not therefore possible at this time to provide for the retrospective purchase of computer equipment outside the terms of the Back to Education Allowance Cost of Education scheme, the scheme designed by FÁS for those persons availing of the EGF HETAC training grant to pursue courses in private colleges. This scheme permits an annual grant of up to €5,000 in total inclusive of course fees, books and equipment subject to meeting the requirements of the scheme. Higher Education Authority guidelines for publicly-funded third level institutions where the equipment is specified in the official course literature and course leaders verify that the item is essential for participation in the course.

In relation to mobility allowances, no current Irish EGF programme provides for such payments outside existing national procedures. Any EGF-eligible former Dell or ancillary enterprise worker who incurs costs in getting to and from further training or approved education programmes will be considered for reimbursement in accordance with current FÁS procedures. The estimated costs of enterprise supports to be provided by City and County Enterprise Boards (CEBs) in the Mid-West region to eligible persons under the Dell EGF programme as set out on the EGF application amounted to €1.1m. To date, my Department has provided overall funding to those CEBs to the value of €3.557m, of which the national 35% element is €1.25m. The CEBs in turn have paid out €3.045m in supports for some 226 EGF beneficiaries. It is estimated that most if not all potential business start-ups will have received significant support prior to the EGF end-date of 28 June. All relevant EGF measures and supports must under the relevant European Commission decision end on 28th June 2011. I understand that CEBs will not be providing national funds beyond 28 June 2011 to fund CEB supports currently being EGF co-funded.

Occupational guidance was provided to former Dell workers on site at the Dell facility in Raheen from 3 February 2009, four months before the EGF application was submitted. I would point out that training, educational and enterprise supports were provided without any significant delay as workers became redundant later in 2009 and 2010, and services were ramped up accordingly in line with increasing user demand and participation.