Connolly welcomes improvements to the Wage Subsidy Scheme for employers of people with disabilities

By way of parliamentary question, local Fianna Fáil TD John Connolly sought clarity from the Minister for Social Protection regarding the Wage Subsidy Scheme, which supports employers in hiring people with disabilities by providing a subsidy to reduce ongoing salary costs. The scheme is designed to neutralise the perceived risk associated with hiring individuals with disabilities, thereby promoting equal opportunities in the workplace.

 

To do this, the scheme incentivises and supports employers to hire people with a disability by providing a subsidy to reduce ongoing salary costs.

 

The Wage Subsidy Scheme currently offers a rate that varies based on the number of employees with disabilities, ranging from €6.30 per hour for one worker to a maximum of €9.45 per hour when the number exceeds 22. Additionally, employers hiring 25 or more people with disabilities can receive a €30,000 annual grant for an employment assistance officer.

 

Deputy Connolly expressed disappointment regarding the low uptake of the scheme, noting that, as of March, only 1,501 employers and 2,464 employees with disabilities were participating. However, he expressed optimism following the publication of a comprehensive review by the Department of Social Protection.

 

The review recommended several changes to the scheme, including reducing the minimum required hours, regularly reviewing the subsidy rate, and expanding eligibility beyond the private sector. These recommendations have now been implemented, and the revised scheme is set to be launched next week.

 

Deputy Connolly praised his party colleague Minister Dara Calleary for the proactive approach, stating, "I welcome the Minister's openness to reviewing and renewing the Wage Subsidy Scheme. Increasing diversity in the workplace by encouraging employers to hire people with disabilities benefits both companies and employees. I am hopeful that these changes will lead to greater uptake of the scheme and more employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

 

"While I am pleased with the improvements, I believe increasing the subsidy would further incentivise employers and make a real difference in creating a more inclusive workforce.

 

"The renewed scheme aims to foster equal employment opportunities and address perceived hiring risks, reflecting Fianna Fáils commitment in Government to inclusivity in the workplace.''

 

-ENDS-