Archive for February 2010
EU Competition Commissioner Needs to Investigate Supermarkets Activities
Posted on February 15, 2010 by Alan Kelly
Following recent media reports about the use of "hello money" and "placing money" by supermarkets on suppliers, I am calling on both the European Commission and the Irish Competition Authority to investigate allegations that Irish suppliers are being asked to pay sums of up to €500,000 in order to have their products stocked in Tesco stores.
Permanent link | Categories: Agriculture • alan kelly • food • agriculture • competition
A Big Week for Former Dell/Mid West Workers as EGF Starts Rolling
Posted on February 11, 2010 by Alan Kelly
This is a huge week for the former workers in Dell, Banta, Flextronics, Irish Express Cargo and the other companies that were closed as a result of the Dell pullout of Limerick in January 2009. On Wednesday morning I met with the EU Commissioner for Employment, Mr. Andor and got assurances regarding the flexibility of the EGF scheme that can be used for job placement, training and starting your own business. These are the three key pillars under which workers can used their share of the €2.8 million that was allocated to them.
Permanent link | Categories: Dell • EGF • Mid West • alan kelly
Meeting Commissioner Andor
Posted on February 10, 2010 by Alan Kelly
On Wednesday I met with Commissioner for Employment Affairs, Laszlo Andor. He is the Hungarian Commissioner and an exceptionally approacable and likeable person. My request for the meeting was principally to get an update on the Dell EGF fund and he told me that the fund was very flexible as regards its administration and also that it would be released this week to the Irish Government. I also got an assurance that the Waterford Crystal fund would be passed by the Commission soon and before the Parliament by March or April, which I broadly welcomed. WE also spoke about the SR Technics application and a number of other issues which I am persuing with the Commissioner on behalf Ireland and my constituents.
Permanent link | Categories: Commissioner Andor • Dell • EGF • alan kelly • Mid West
UCC Students Visit European Parliament
Posted on February 10, 2010 by Alan Kelly
This week I had a visit from a group of Law students from across Irish Universities, but in particular UCC and what a lively bunch they were in Strasbourg! The certanly knew how to make the most out of the trip and enjoy themselves while also learning and asking many, many questions. I was delighted to have them there. In particular, it was great to have Declan Walsh, Lecturer in EU Law in UCC accompanying them. Declan has been a friend of mine for many years since my time in Cork and is a great authority on all matters in relation to Europe.
Permanent link | Categories: Education • UCC
Time to Investigate M7 Workers Employment Conditions
Posted on February 03, 2010 by Alan Kelly
I am calling for a full investigation into the working conditions of workers on the new M7. This arises following receipt of a number of complaints from former skilled workers who were paid the hourly rate of a general operative in breach of The Wages Act 1991. This in particular relates to hundreds of workers who have been let go off the site in the last six months.
The complaints come from former employees of Coffey Construction and relate not only to rates of pay but to a number of issues which include payment of a flat rate for overtime hours worked and incomplete contracts of employment. These are in breach of Labour laws and practices.
Permanent link | Categories: Transport • M7 workers • alan kelly • Limerick • Tipperary
