I refer the Deputy to the reply provided to Parliamentary Question Numbers 1030 and 1033 of 11 January 2012.
As I previously stated, there is no definition, either in the EGF Regulations or otherwise, of what constitutes a complementary action in the context of the EGF.
The European Commission has approved all of the measures included in the six Irish applications for EGF co-financing and has to date raised no issue regarding the complementary nature of such measures. A number of other EU member states are understood from European Commission reports not to have implemented any new measures, or simply to have intensified existing measures, in the implementation of EGF programmes.
However, my Department has been very flexible in its interpretation of the term "complementarity" in its implementation of EGF programmes in Ireland to date.
In all EGF programmes to date, specific tailored interventions have been designed and provided in addition to more mainstream, established interventions. For example, a system of EGF training grants has been operated whereby EGF eligible persons may avail of privately provided training and education opportunities subject to relevant scheme requirements in addition to, or in lieu of, training and education provided through publicly funded training bodies and educational institutions. The provision of extra places in FÁS or VEC training or upskilling programmes is complementary to existing provision, as is the provision of places on other training and education programmes that are relevant to labour market needs and which are recognised through accreditation or other recognition by relevant industry sectors.