European Globalisation Adjustment Fund

20.7.2018

Question for written answer E-004095-18
to the Commission
Rule 130
Lynn Boylan (GUE/NGL)

The European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) was set up to provide support for workers affected by major structural changes in world trade patterns due to globalisation and the economic and financial crisis. Despite ongoing needs however, in recent years the EGF has experienced a considerable underspend, and there have even been instances of some governments, including Ireland, failing to fully utilise the funds, and paying them back into the EU coffers instead.

Can the Commission please detail:

What amount of assistance under the EGF has the Irish Government received, and how much has been returned unspent, since 2014?

Has the Commission reviewed whether this assistance has been utilised properly?

Given the severe development looming in Ireland, and across Europe, as a result of Brexit, is the Commission considering broadening the scope of the EGF to include workers who have been made redundant because of Brexit, or has it received requests for such an amendment to be made?