Brian Walsh (Galway West, Independent)
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97. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he proposes to expand the Momentum training initiative in order to facilitate accessibility of additional courses specific to the availability of employment and thereby allowing many persons to re-train for employment specific to the local employment market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47500/13]

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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The aim of MOMENTUM is to provide a range of quality, relevant education & training interventions in 2013 for up to 6,500 individuals who are long-term unemployed.

Training is being provided within the context of four themes. Three of the themes support occupational clusters where demand and vacancies exist within certain Labour Market sectors. A fourth theme focuses on the specific needs of people under 25.

A design feature of Momentum provides for continuous evaluation of the programme so we can ensure that the training provided is effective, efficient and value for money. I expect to have the outcome of evaluations in respect of the procurement and provision of the programme by year end. Recommendations from this evaluation process will be incorporated into the new programme and I would expect that a new round of Momentum will be announced in early 2014. Ongoing evaluation of the outcomes of the programme in respect of progression into employment will also inform future iterations of the programme.

My Department will continue to work closely with all relevant Government Departments and Agencies to ensure that the Government is putting the right measures in place to ensure people can upskill and reskill in the areas where skills are in demand. In this context a new purpose built clean room training facility adjacent to the current SOLAS Training Centre in Galway has been developed and it is planned that this centre will train individuals for work in the medical devices cluster in Galway.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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98. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the online Springboard application gateway. [47622/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The Springboard programme strategically targets funding of free part-time flexible higher education courses for unemployed and previously self-employed people in areas where there are identified labour market skills shortages or employment opportunities. Courses are selected for funding following a competitive tender process that is open to public, private and not for profit higher education providers.

To be eligible for a place on a Springboard course a person must be unemployed, actively seeking employment, and be in receipt of one of the qualifying Department of Social Protection payments or be signing for credits or be previously self-employed. Provided an applicant meets the Springboard 2013 eligibility criteria, decisions around the award of places on an approved programme are a matter for individual course providers.

If a person does not meet the entry requirements for a particular course it is open to them to apply for another course funded through the programme. Further information is available at the dedication information and applications website www.springboardcourses.ie