Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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2009. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the cost of extending the wage subsidy scheme to those in receipt of the partial capacity benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27071/17]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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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.

Extending eligibility for the WSS to employers who employ people in receipt of PCB is estimated to cost €2.5 million in a full year. The costing here relates to new PCB participants only, as a WSS payment can only be made where an individual is entering a new job or is in that job for less than 12 months.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.