On 18th December, 2012, An Tánaiste, Eamon Gilmore TD, together with the Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn TD, and the Minister of State for Training and Skills, Ciarán Cannon TD, announced an innovative Government initiative which will provide free education and training projects for up to 6,500 long-term jobseekers.

This initiative, MOMENTUM, will assist 6,500 long term unemployed jobseekers to gain in-demand skills and to access work in sectors of the economy where there are job opportunities. The programmes will include on-the job training in the form of work experience modules as well as the development of the workplace skills required to obtain and retain employment.