Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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144. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason the wage subsidy scheme is restricted to employees that have been employed for less than 12 months; the supports available for longer-term workers who have recently become disabled in such a way that their productivity may be reduced, but wish to remain in their employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6739/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Wage Subsidy Scheme is a key disability employment support for employers. It aims to encourage employers to employ people with disabilities in the open labour market through a subsidy.

To currently qualify for the scheme, the employee must be in employment for fewer than 12 months. This requirement aims to encourage employers to take on new employees with a disability.

In August 2024, my Department published a review of the Wage Subsidy Scheme. The review made six recommendations to make the scheme more accessible and flexible for people with disabilities and their employers.

A key recommendation was to expand the scheme to people who acquire a disability or health condition. Employers can now apply for the scheme for an existing employee who has acquired a disability or health condition in the previous 12 months and who receives Partial Capacity Benefit. People in receipt of Illness Benefit for more than six months or in receipt of Invalidity Pension can request to transfer to Partial Capacity Benefit.

This recommendation aims to ensure that employees can keep their job if they acquire a disability. It will also prevent employers from using the scheme for employees who they would have kept on without the scheme.

The revised scheme will be implemented in the coming weeks.

By law, employers must provide reasonable accommodations for their employees, such as equal treatment with other employees and equal opportunity for promotion. These accommodations should not impose a "disproportionate burden" on the employer.

In July, my Department launched the Work and Access scheme. The scheme provides grants to cover the costs of accommodations which go beyond those required by law. It offers seven supports to help reduce or remove barriers in the workplace for people with a disability. Employees, including long-term employees, can get funding for a workplace needs assessment, work coaches, assistive equipment, and communication support. Their employers can also get workplace adaptations and disability equality and inclusion training. Supports are available for both business premises and remote workplaces.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.