The European Parliament has approved the European Globalisation Fund (EGF) application which will assist the 650 Waterford Crystal workers made redundant following the closure of the Kilbarry plant last year.
The EGF application comes in at just under €4 million, with the Irish Government providing €1.4 million of that figure.
“We are appreciative of this support,” said Tánaiste Mary Coughlan following Tuesday’s announcement.
“It responds to the strong case made by the Government and EU recognition that the measures to assist workers formerly employed in Waterford Crystal justify financial support.”
A Waterford Crystal EGF Steering Committee has been established by the Government under the chairmanship of Waterford City Manager Michael Walsh.
This committee will assist in the co-ordination of the relevant supports that former Crystal employees will requires for retraining, up-skilling, enterprise development and educational opportunities.
The committee will also include representatives of the former workers, which will advise on the implementation of EGF-funded measures, which will ensure the ex-Glass workers are kept abreast of the entire process.
It’s believed that Mr Walsh will convene the committee’s first meeting within the next fortnight.
Local and European-based politicians have welcomed the support that the EGF will provide to former ‘Glass’ employees in the coming weeks and months.
“Former Crystal workers looking for new skills to re-enter the job market are entitled to specialist advice about their needs and options,” said Senator Paudie Coffey.
“We can’t just give them a ‘one-size-fits-all’ handout. For instance, both WIT and Waterford College of Further Education offer training courses. WIT may offer the best way forward for some people, but vocational further education training may be more suitable for others.”
See The Munster Express newspaper for full story.
