Costello welcomes EU aid fund for former SR Technics workers
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 12:03 PM
Deputy Joe Costello, the Labour Party Transport spokesperson, gave a broad welcome to the European Commission approval in principle of the application from Ireland for €7.4 million European Globalisation Adjustment Funds (EGAF) to help re-train the former-SR Technics workers and commended his Labour colleague, Proinsias de Rossa MEP for Dublin, for the work he has done in helping to secure this funding.
"The former workers of SR Technics have developed valuable skills in the aeronautics industry over the years and I am hopeful that this EU programme which was set up to support workers who lose their jobs can help them find alternative employment or set up a business themselves as quickly as possible.
"The overall aid package amounts to €11.5million and the amount given approval in principle yesterday forms the bulk of that figure. . It will be used to offer the ex-employees guidance and training, on- and off-the-job training including third level education and the development of business initiatives.
"I would expect the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers to approve the application within a matter of weeks so it is necessary that the Government put the proper structures in place to ensure the speedy release and use of the aid.
"It is vital during the present economic crisis that we retrain and upskill workers like those at SR Technics. The closure of that company in 2008 was a devastating blow to the northside of Dublin and to the 1200 workers, their families and the local economy.
"The EU aid package has the capability of giving future hope and future employment to a significant number of the former SR Technics workers.
"However there still remains the serious problem that several hundred, or approximately one third of the former workforce of SR Technics, are over 50 years of age. By the time they have completed retraining and up skilling they will find job opportunities few and far between in the deep recession that prevails in the Irish economy.
"It is essential that the structure for the delivery of the aid package be sufficiently flexible to address age specific issues that face a sizeable number of former SR Technics employees."
