Social Welfare Schemes

Tuesday, 17 February 2026

Ceisteanna (842)

John Paul O'Shea

Ceist:

842. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the total number of employees and employers currently utilising and benefiting from the wage subsidy scheme; the number of employers availing of strand 2 and strand 3 of the scheme; if an increase in the overall number utilising the scheme has occurred since the minimum weekly hours threshold was reduced in April 2024; and if so, the details of any such increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11669/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

The Wage Subsidy Scheme is a key disability employment support provided by my Department. It aims to encourage employers to offer substantial and sustainable employment to disabled people through a subsidy.

In January 2026, 1,514 employers were availing of the scheme and 2,575 employees were supported through the scheme. There were 145 employers availing of strand 2 and 6 employers availing of strand 3 of the Wage Subsidy Scheme.

In April 2024, when the minimum hours were reduced from 21 to 15 hours per week, there were 1,477 employers with 2,398 employees availing of the Wage Subsidy Scheme. This shows there has been an increase of 37 employers and 177 employees on the scheme.

There are currently 377 employees working fewer than 21 hours on the scheme.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.