Séamus Healy (Tipperary, Workers and Unemployed Action Group)
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224. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the outcome of the recent review of the wage subsidy scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32833/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The wage subsidy scheme (WSS), formally launched in 2005, was one of the employment support schemes for people with disabilities that transferred to the Department of Social Protection in 2012.

The scheme is aimed at employers with a view to incentivising the employment of people with disabilities in the open labour market. The WSS is payable where the employee works a minimum of 21 hours per week, and the employer must apply the same conditions of employment as for other employees – including minimum wage, PRSI, PAYE and annual leave requirements.

The Department of Social Protection has undertaken a review of the operational governance and guidelines underpinning the administration of the scheme.

This operational review has taken place over the past year as part of the Departments commitments under the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for people with disabilities. The Department is currently in the process of finalising this review and would intend to make available the revised guidelines in the near future.

It is anticipated that this work will improve the support the Department provides for this important scheme which provides employment support to over 2,200 People with Disabilities.

I hope that this answers the Deputy’s question.