The Minister for Lifelong Learning, Séan Haughey, has welcomed the announcement by the European Commission that it had approved Ireland's application seeking EU co-financing support under the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) for former workers made redundant at the S R Technics aircraft maintenance facility at Dublin airport last year.

The Minister, in whose constituency the impact of the S R Technics closure was keenly felt last year said: "This is once more a welcome recognition by the EU authorities of the adverse impact of the global economic and financial crisis on companies vulnerable to changing trade patterns and solidarity with the plight of affected Irish workers.

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"The Irish authorities made a robust case for EGF support which has been duly recognised by the EU.

"Up to €11.5m in funding will be available for measures implemented since the redundancies."

Minister Haughey went on to say: "There have been considerable State interventions since the S R Technics redundancies were announced last year.

"FAS has provided guidance and training to some 850 workers and up to 100 more are availing of educational supports through the VECs and third level institutions."

A new scheme enabling up to 30 former S R Technics aircraft maintenance apprentices to complete their on-the-job training phases will commence next week and details will be announced soon.

(CD)