EU Funding

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 March 2012

Tuesday, 6 March 2012

Questions (135)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

167 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will confirm that additional funding was provided by him in 2011 to enable a number of redundant Dell workers complete third level education courses that had been commenced with European Globalisation Fund, EGF, funding but owing to the closure of the Dell EGF funding programme required additional funds from his Department; the number of workers involved; the total amount of funding provided; if he will publish the letter sent by an official of his Department (details supplied) to FÁS on 21 February 2011 providing funding for a further academic year for qualifying workers; if he will make similar arrangements for EGF eligible redundant workers from all EGF programmes who are currently enrolled in third level courses but may have to withdraw from those courses due to EGF programme deadlines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12321/12]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Ciarán Cannon)

I can confirm that €299,737 was provided by my Department in 2011 to enable a number of redundant DELL workers undertake an additional academic year on third level education courses that had been commenced with European Globalisation Fund funding. This funding covered fees which would have otherwise been payable by the individuals concerned for the courses provided by Universities (€140,599), IOTS (€114,676) and Griffith College (€44,462). FÁS is currently examining its records to see if funding was provided to other private colleges other than Griffith College and I will forward any further information to the Deputy.

As was clearly indicated in the letter referred to by the Deputy, the decision to extend support to the Dell students for the 2011/12 academic year was based solely on the basis of understandings (based on an incorrect interpretation of the rules governing the Fund) that support for this academic year fell within the scope of the Fund. It was also made clear that these concessionary arrangements would not extend beyond the academic year 2011/12 regardless of the duration of the programmes involved. The question of similar arrangements for redundant workers, on other EGF programmes does not arise.

All EGF programmes are strictly time limited in accordance with the requirements of the relevant EU legislation and eligible redundant workers are so informed. Students in publicly funded institutions on programmes of longer duration may be eligible for support in accordance with the regulations governing the operation of the Department's Free Fees and student support schemes dependent on their individual circumstances.