Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 September 2025
85. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of employers that have availed of the wage subsidy scheme for the years 2020 to 2025 respectively; the number of people with disabilities who benefitted from this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50655/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Wage Subsidy Scheme (WSS) encourages employers to employ disabled staff. It offers employers financial support to employ people with a disability through a subsidy. The work offered must be for a minimum of 15 hours per week and the subsidy is available up to 39 hours per week.
The number of employers and employee availing of the WSS at the 31st December in each of the years 2020-2024, and at 31st August 2025, are shown in the table below. These figures also include those on the Employment Support Scheme.
Table 1: Number of employers and employees availing of the Wage Subsidy Scheme, by year
|
Year |
Employers |
Employees |
|
2020 |
1,648 |
2,676 |
|
2021 |
1,621 |
2,536 |
|
2022 |
1,552 |
2,462 |
|
2023 |
1,522 |
2,451 |
|
2024 |
1,504 |
2,466 |
|
2025 (as at 31st August) |
1,542 |
2,544 |
