Ireland must improve how it applies for European Globalisation Fund (EGF) aid in order to ensure redundant workers get the maximum benefits, according to North & West MEP Marian Harkin.

Speaking from the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Harkin repeated the urgent need to apply immediately for EGF aid for TalkTalk workers, adding that "plans also need to be put in place so that MBNA workers can access this fund in a worst case scenario".

"Apart from the fact that an immediate application is in the interest of workers, there is also the issue that applications for EGF funding using the current economic crisis as a qualifying criterion, may be discontinued at the end of 2011. The EU Parliament today (29 September) supported an extension to the end of 2013, however there is a blocking minority in the European Council. While agreement may be reached on this matter, we must act to ensure that workers in TalkTalk and perhaps MBNA will not be disadvantaged by late applications," the Independent MEP said.

Ireland must widen the focus of EGF applications

"We also need to expand the range of measures we apply for in the name of the redundant workers so that they can benefit fully from the fund. Just this week in the European Parliament we approved an application from Portugal where we approved grant support to workers who found themselves a new job, and also subsidies of up to €20,000 per job created for up to 3 workers. These are just a number of possible incentives that are available to redundant workers, as well as training and education support.

"Ireland's applications for redundant workers in Dell, SRTechnics and Waterford Glass have been focused quite narrowly and have not allowed workers the opportunity to benefit fully from the fund. Indeed in some circumstances workers have been bitterly disappointed at the restricted options offered to them.

"This fund allows members states very significant latitude in their applications but workers can only access what is contained in the original application. We need to broaden our thinking in Ireland and use this fund in a way that responds to the needs of workers, giving them the very best possible opportunities to retrain, upskill or start their own businesses," the North & West MEP concluded.