The awarding of travel allowances to participants on the Momentum Programme was discussed between the relevant Government Departments when the Programme was being designed. In the design of the scheme, consideration was given to the question of additional payments but in the difficult economic circumstances that exist and in order to ensure the best use of scarce resources, it was decided that no additional payments were warranted beyond the retention of social welfare benefits.
I understand that there are no Momentum projects scheduled for or running in the Dún Laoghaire area. Two projects for 46 participants are running/scheduled in the adjoining D4 and D18 areas.
The distribution of Momentum places takes account of both employment opportunities and patterns of unemployment throughout the country. In this second round of Momentum, SOLAS and the Department of Social Protection have worked together closely on course recruitment and have put in place arrangements that enable unemployed people to be appropriately matched with programmes that meet their needs. This includes a course briefing with the course provider and an initial three week trial period where participants can familiarise themselves with the course. In addition, many participants find the course they are interested in directly through www.momentumskills.ie and arrange referral through their local INTREO Office. The question of placement practices at the level of local INTREO offices is a matter for the Department of Social Protection.
