Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 February 2026
172. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of employers and employees, who have benefited from the wage subsidy scheme to support employment of those with disabilities for each year from 2016 to 2025 inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15504/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Wage Subsidy Scheme is a key disability employment support offered by my Department. It aims to encourage employers to offer substantial and sustainable employment to disabled people through a subsidy. In January 2026, there were 2,613 employees supported through the Wage Subsidy Scheme and 1,546 employers availing of the scheme. Expenditure on the scheme in 2025 is estimated to have been €22.1 million.
The table below shows the number of employers and employees who benefited from the Wage Subsidy Scheme for each year from 2016 to 2025.
|
Year |
WSS Employers |
WSS Employees |
|
2016 |
1,568 |
2,584 |
|
2017 |
1,769 |
2,869 |
|
2018 |
1,880 |
3,074 |
|
2019 |
1,979 |
2,881 |
|
2020 |
1,895 |
2,942 |
|
2021 |
1,345 |
2,327 |
|
2022 |
1,538 |
2,539 |
|
2023 |
1,522 |
2,451 |
|
2024 |
1,504 |
2,466 |
|
2025 |
1,551 |
2,626 |
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
