In June 2009 my Department made an application to the European Commission under the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) for assistance in co-financing supports for workers made redundant at the DELL computer manufacturing plant in Raheen and ancillary enterprises in the Mid West region. Subject to final approval from the European Council and European Parliament of the Irish application, some of the redundant workers included for assistance in that EGF application are from the Shannon area and will benefit directly from any supports ultimately provided.
My Department is examining all collective redundancies to see whether they may be potentially eligible for EGF assistance subject to meeting the strict eligibility criteria which apply under the EU Regulation governing the Fund. The various job losses in the Shannon region to date are not adjudged to meet the relevant EGF criteria at this time. However, my Department will continue to monitor and review this situation, as it does with all collective redundancies nationally.