Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 December 2021
357. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider extending the wage subsidy scheme by reducing the number of hours that persons with disabilities need to work to qualify for this subsidy in the private sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59817/21]
View answerThrough the Comprehensive Employment Strategy, the Government recognises the importance for people with disabilities of participation in employment. As part of the Strategy, my Department is committed to improving employment outcomes and removing barriers to employment for people with disabilities. The supports provided by the Department of Social Protection have been designed to enable people with a disability to achieve their employment ambitions by focusing on the individual’s ability and capacity.The Wage Subsidy Scheme is a targeted incentive to encourage private sector employers to offer substantial and sustainable employment to people with disabilities by providing financial incentives to employers. The rationale in relation to the Wage Subsidy Scheme having a minimum of 21 hours is to increase the likelihood of people with disabilities obtaining and sustaining employment in the open labour market.
To receive a wage subsidy, the private sector employer must offer employment to a person with a disability to work for at least 21 hours per week and the subsidy is payable for a maximum of 39 hours a week. Employment contracts offered must be for a minimum of 6 months duration and the employee should be subject to and have the same rights as per the conditions of employment as any of the employer's other employees.
Currently, the basic rate of subsidy paid to the employer is €5.30 per hour. From January, as part of Budget 2022, this base rate will increase to €6.30 per hour giving an increased total annual subsidy available of €12,776 based on a 39-hour week.
Department of Social Protection supports have been designed to enable people with a disability to achieve their employment ambitions by focusing on the ability and capacity of the individual. The Department offers a range of supports to people with disabilities who may not be in a position to, or wish to, work full-time.
My Department’s employment support schemes for people with disabilities, including the Wage Subsidy Scheme, are kept under review to ensure that they meet their policy objectives. Any potential changes to these schemes can only be considered as part of the wider Budgetary and policy context.
