Wage Subsidy Scheme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 July 2014

Wednesday, 16 July 2014

Questions (115)

Denis Naughten

Question:

115. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the estimate and outturn for the wage subsidy scheme in each of the past four years; the number of employers participating in the scheme in each year concerned and the number of employees availing of such supports; the estimate for 2014; the cost to date and the number of employees and employers availing of the scheme in 2014; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31816/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection

The Wage Subsidy Scheme (WSS) is a demand-led employment support for private sector employers who employ people with disabilities. The scheme transferred from FÁS to the Department of Social Protection (DSP) on 1 January 2012. The relevant statistics for the last four years are contained in the following table. It is estimated that approx. 1,460 employees will be in employment under the scheme at the end of 2014.

Wage Subsidy Scheme (2010 to date)

YEAR	Actual Expenditure € (millions)	Annual Budget € (millions)	Number of Employees at year end	Number of Employers at year end
2010	10.871	11.609	833	498
2011	10.065	11.250	916	547
2012	10.566	10.850	1,006	618
2013	11.042	10.850	1,159	715
2014 (to end of June 2014)	6.199	10.850	1,308 (end of June 2014)	812