Waterford Crystal's Euro money is "a hand-up not a hand-out"

Issued : Tuesday 15 June, 2010

Speaking following the vote to create a €3.9m re-training fund for Waterford Crystal workers, Alan Kelly MEP stated it would be unforgivable if any of this money had to be returned to Europe. The funding should work out at about €6,000 per worker. The vote passed by 573 votes to 48.

Alan Kelly said: "Today is an important and historic day for the South-East.

"The European Parliament has voted to create a fund of almost four million to invest in the skills of over 600 workers in the area.

"It would be completely unforgivable and a disaster if the Irish government had to return a single cent of this money to Europe.

"The former workers of Waterford Crystal and the other companies should be allowed use this once-off money for themselves.

"This funding represents a hand-up for people as opposed to a hand-out. It is a fund that invests in people.

"It should prove to be a vital stimulus for a region that is badly in need of investment and it is now the government's responsibility to administer it effectively.

"However, their action on the matter to date has been poor and does not inspire hope in the government.

"They only have 13 months in which to spend this money yet there is nowhere for any worker to go and find out how they can apply for this money.

"If you think of it as approximately 6,000 per worker on re-training - one year is not a lot of time.

"They must get their act together now.

"What happened with this funding with Dell workers is a dreadful state of affairs.

"Only about 2 million of almost 23 million has been spent so far.

"In that instance the government drowned workers in red tape and in essence people were prevented from accessing the fund.

"It would be beyond scandalous if that was allowed to happen again.

"I will be helping the workers ensure that the government's progress on this is issue monitored closely.