The awarding of travel allowances to participants on the Momentum Programme was discussed between my Department, the Department of Social Protection and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform when the programme was being designed. However, in order to ensure the greatest provision of much needed places on the programme with the available financial resources, it was decided that no additional payments would be paid beyond the retention of social welfare benefits.
Arrangements are in place for the monitoring and evaluation of the programme. The range of issues impacting on the operation of the programme, including the experience of participants, will be borne in mind in considering the development of future programmes.