Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 June 2026
24. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Social Protection if, in the context of the low numbers involved in the employment support scheme, he will consider ensuring those who are currently in receipt of the scheme retain it when changing employers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46041/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department offers a range of supports to assist disabled people to take up and remain in employment.
The Employment Support Scheme offered financial support to employers to cover a disabled employee’s productivity shortfall. The employer paid 100% of the gross wage, then claimed back between 20%-50%, depending on, what was then described as the employee’s productivity shortfall.
The Wage Subsidy Scheme came into operation as a pilot scheme in September 2005. It replaced the Pilot Programme for the Employment of People with Disabilities and the Employment Support Scheme, both of which were closed to new applicants at that time.
Following a review of its pilot phase, the Wage Subsidy Scheme was placed on a permanent non-statutory footing in October 2008. Customers on the Pilot Programme for the Employment of People with Disabilities were absorbed into Wage Subsidy Scheme.
Any employee in an employment subsidised under the Employment Support Scheme in 2005 when the scheme closed to new applicants was allowed to remain on the scheme, but only in that specific employment. There are currently 32 employers who remain in receipt of the Employment Support Scheme with 38 employees supported, as of May 2026.
If the Deputy has a query in relation to a particular customer's case or scheme, he can provide details to Department officials.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
