Thomas Gould
Question:182. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Social Protection the actions taken to improve retention and uptake of work for disabled employees and entrepreneurs. [12461/26]
View answerWednesday, 25 February 2026
Questions (182)
Written answers
My Department provides a range of programmes and schemes to improve retention and uptake of work for both disabled employees and entrepreneurs.
My Department's Intreo service is a single point of contact for all employment and income supports in the State. Disabled people can make an appointment to meet with a Designated Disability Employment Personal Advisor to discuss employment and training options. They can access mainstream employment schemes such as Community Employment and Tús as well as referral to tailored supports such as Employability.
My Department launched a new scheme called Work and Access in July 2024. This scheme offers seven supports that addresses barriers to the workplace and make it more accessible. Funding is available for communication supports, work coaches, workplace adaptations as well as disability equality and inclusion training.
The Wage Subsidy Scheme supports employers to hire disabled people through a subsidy. A number of changes to the scheme were introduced following a review of the scheme which was published in 2024. In particular, the minimum number of hours from 21 to 15 per week and the expansion to the voluntary, community and non commercial semi-state sectors. Budget 2026 has provided for an expansion to people who acquire a disability while in employment and to those who transfer from Invalidity Pension to Partial Capacity Benefit and provided for an increase in the subsidy rates.
The Department’s disability-related schemes and employment supports have been structured to support recipients to pursue employment opportunities. Disability Allowance’s earnings disregard means that people can earn up to €165 per week and keep their payment in full and can earn up to €527.60 per week and keep a portion of their payment and their secondary benefits from my Department.
With regard to entrepreneurship, the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment will promote inclusion and accessibility in entrepreneurship, in under-represented groups, including people with disabilities, through the Local Enterprise Offices.
Disability Awareness training has been provided for Local Enterprise Office staff to broaden their understanding of disability beyond visible disabilities, exploring the barriers faced by people with disabilities in a work context and providing guidance on supporting a service user with a disability. The Local Enterprise Offices have also developed targeted online learning supports for disabled people who are interested in starting a business.
In addition, last year the Government launched the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030. This strategy prioritises a cross-government approach and my Department, alongside the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment is leading the employment pillar, focused on improving the labour participation rates of disabled people. These commitments will be advanced over the lifetime of the Government in light of the prevailing policy and budgetary context.
I trust this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.