Taoiseach launches expansion of Wage Subsidy Scheme

By Cillian Sherlock, PA

The Government has announced a reformed scheme to support more disabled people into employment.

The Wage Subsidy Scheme gives employers financial support to encourage them to hire people with disabilities.

Employers can get a subsidy of between €6.30-€9.45 per hour, depending on the number of workers employed under the scheme.

The support can help cover the cost of adapting a role for the employee.

Under measures announced by Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Social Protection Minister Dara Calleary, the scheme is to be extended to the community and voluntary sector as well as the commercial state-sponsored sector.

In addition, there will be a reduction in the minimum required hours to avail of the subsidy – down from 21 to 15 hours.

The scheme has also been expanded beyond recruitment to include retention of people returning to work on Partial Capacity Benefit.

The subsidy rate is to be reviewed at least every three years.

Disability Minister Norma Foley and junior minister Hildegarde Naughton also addressed a launch event at Chartered Accountants House in Dublin on Wednesday.

Mr Martin said: “Supports like this play not only a critical role in closing the employment gap for people with disabilities, reducing poverty and supporting families and communities, but also for employers in bringing new ideas, skills and knowledge to their businesses.

“I am committed to advancing the rights and improving the lives of people with disabilities including through removing barriers to employment.

“Supports such as this revised Wage Subsidy Scheme recognise that the perspective, talents, and contributions of people with disabilities across society add immeasurably to the quality, the richness and the diversity of all our lives.”