Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

16. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will consider amending the wage subsidy scheme to facilitate the inclusion of persons with disabilities who work less than 21 hours per week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35354/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The wage subsidy scheme is a support to private sector employers, providing financial incentives to employers who take on people with a disability for between 21 and 39 hours per week under a contract of employment.

The policy rationale of the scheme is to increase the potential for people with disabilities to obtain employment in the open labour market and become more independent and therefore less reliant on social welfare payments.

I am satisfied that a reduction of the 21 hours threshold would dilute this policy intent, and so I have no plans to make any changes in that regard.