Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The aim of MOMENTUM is to provide a range of high-quality, relevant education and training interventions for up to 6,500 individuals who are long-term unemployed. Courses under the programme include a significant work-based element. Training will be provided within the context of four themes. Three of the themes support occupational clusters where demand and vacancies exist within certain labour market sectors, while a fourth theme focuses on the specific needs of people under 25. A tendering process was advertised by FÁS last year. Interest in the fund was high, with FÁS receiving more than 200 applications for funding. The agency has entered into contracts with a number of selected providers. Under the eligibility criteria of MOMENTUM, all unemployed participants must be pre-approved by the Department of Social Protection before they can participate in the programme. This recruitment phase is under way and more than 700 people have commenced training.

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