Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 January 2014
171. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the oversight in place in relation to the functioning of the momentum scheme and the role and accountability of mentors with particular reference to the mechanisms in place if people feel that their placement is not a training one, but rather a replacement labour scheme; and the level of such complaints that have been made or assessed. [1089/14]
View answerThis is a day to day operational matter for SOLAS who manage the Momentum programme. I understand that all contracts have been and continue to be monitored by dedicated SOLAS staff. Where issues arise they are addressed via a sanctions system as appropriate. Sanctions range from a request to address a minor issue to the possibility of termination of the contract. Monitoring includes sample visits to work placements as well as to the classroom based elements of the training. Every payment against a project is made on the basis of participants declaring that they have completed an element of the project or is based on data submitted to support a claim. All of these claims are subjected to a 100% desk audit to ensure that an appropriate claim has been made. Projects are funded by SOLAS through a contractual agreement. Contractors are accountable to SOLAS for the contract. Mentors or tutors are accountable to the contractor and it is their responsibility to adhere to the requirements stipulated in the contract as well as any requirements of the awarding body regarding the certification as appropriate. Furthermore, I am informed that, the work placement process requires the contractors and the learners to work together to source appropriate placements, most of which are of short duration. In the event that a participant feels that their placement is not a training one, they have access to their mentor and/or the contractor who will assist them to resolve the issue. To date SOLAS has not received any complaints relating to a labour replacement type issue.
