Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 June 2026
149. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Social Protection the specific measures that are currently in place to support and incentivise employers to recruit and retain persons with disabilities; whether any new initiatives are being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44601/26]
View answerImproving the employment position of disabled people, is a key priority for the Government and we are determined to do that. To achieve this, we must support employers to hire and retain disabled employees. This is why we have been improving our existing supports for employers and why we have a range of commitments to do more over the lifetime of the Government.
In July 2024, my Department launched a new scheme called Work and Access. This scheme offers seven supports to improve access in the workplace for disabled people. Funding is available for communication supports, work equipment, workplace adaptations and training. Jobseekers, employees, self-employed people and employers may apply for supports both for the business premises and remote workplaces.
Revised operational guidelines and application forms were published in April this year following feedback from disabled people and employers. We hope that applicants will find the scheme easier to navigate and understand. Eligibility for 90% funding for Disability Equality and Inclusion Training has been extended which will help employers provide disability equality and inclusion training for their staff. Applications for Workplace Needs Assessments and In-Work Support will be made by employers from now on to reduce the administrative burden on disabled customers.
The Wage Subsidy Scheme supports employers to hire disabled people through a subsidy. As a result of Budget 2026, the base rate of the Wage Subsidy Scheme was increased by €1.20 from €6.30 to €7.50 per hour. The top rate is now €10 per hour and a middle rate of €8.50 was introduced. The scheme was also extended to certain people already at work who acquire a disability or whose ability to work has reduced such that there job tasks or role has had to be significantly adapted. This is helpful in terms of the retention of disabled people in employment.
Employers in all bands have seen an increase in the subsidy they receive under the scheme. 90% of employers employ one or two employees on the scheme and have therefore received the €1.20 increase. €1,568 employers employed 2,621 employees on the scheme in May of this year. An estimated €22.1 million was spent on this scheme in 2025.
JobsPlus is an employer incentive which encourages and rewards employers who employ eligible jobseekers. Employers who employ people in receipt of Disability Allowance or Blind Pension can avail of either of two grants under this scheme; the value of the grants are €7,500 and €10,000.
Under the Work Placement Experience Programme, an employer can host a participant on a six-month placement at no cost. Participants are paid a weekly allowance by my Department and they engage in 60 hours of relevant training to support participation on work placement. The Work Placement Experience Programme is available to those in receipt of Disability Allowance or Blind Pension.
Employers can sign up to the Employer and Youth Engagement Charter. There are currently 326 employers signed up. These employers will proactively engage in offering employment supports to groups at risk of unemployment, including disabled people. This gives employers the chance to become part of a community of responsible and inclusive employers as well as expand and develop scope for recruitment by accessing a wide range and diverse pool of candidates.
The Department of Social Protection funds the Widening Inclusion of Disability in Employment (WIDE) Framework which supports organisations on the island of Ireland to hire, retain, and promote more disabled people and create a more inclusive workplace.
Along with my colleague the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, I am leading the employment pillar under the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030. The strategy includes a range of commitments to support employers to hire and retain disabled people. Our two Departments are working together, including in relation to the development of an ongoing media campaign to raise awareness of the supports available for employers.
The Forum for the Employment of Disabled People, established by the Department for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment earlier this year as part of commitment 5.5, will be an important vehicle for encouraging the hiring of disabled people. Employers can also find relevant support on the National Enterprise Hub website.
I am pleased that we have already made progress and we will continue to deliver on the commitments over the lifetime of the Strategy.
I trust this clarifies the matter for Deputy.
