Margaret Murphy O'Mahony (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

152. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if his Department has considered extending the wage subsidy scheme to those in receipt of the partial capacity benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35270/16]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The partial capacity benefit (PCB) scheme is designed for people who are on illness benefit, for at least six months, or on invalidity pension and who have retained some capacity for work and wish to work. If awarded, PCB will allow them to continue to receive, in addition to their earnings from employment, a percentage of their illness benefit or invalidity pension payment while working.

The wage subsidy scheme (WSS) is an employment support to private sector employers, the objective of which is to encourage employers to employ people with disabilities and thereby increase the numbers of people with disabilities participating in the open labour market. The scheme provides financial incentives to private sector employers to hire people with a disability for between 21 and 39 hours per week under a contract of employment.

The issue of extending the WSS to participants on the PCB scheme has been considered in a number of Department of Social Protection reviews, including a review of the WSS, completed in 2013 and a review of the PCB scheme, which was undertaken in 2015. The issue was also examined in the context of a recent review of the operational guidelines for the WSS. However , there is no decision to extend at this time.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.