More must be done to ensure disabled people have access to work through Wage Subsidy Scheme – Ó Muirí

The Government should significantly increase awareness surrounding the Wage Subsidy Scheme, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí says recent reforms to the scheme are positive, including the expansion to the community and voluntary sector as well as commercial State-sponsored bodies, but warned that uptake remains modest and has not reached the levels seen in 2020, when the scheme was first introduced.

“More work needs to be done to ensure disabled people can access meaningful employment, and this scheme is a vital tool in promoting inclusive employment,” said Deputy Ó Muirí.

“Yet the figures show that uptake has remained relatively static over the past five years, with only 1,542 employers and 2,544 employees availing of the scheme as of August 2025. That’s a missed opportunity to support more disabled people into sustainable work.”

Figures from the Department of Social Protection show just 28 employers, and 48 participants have benefitted from the recent expansion to the community and voluntary sector, while €3.7 million has been allocated to implement the scheme’s review recommendations.

Deputy Ó Muirí believes further investment and outreach are needed, and said: “The re-launch of the scheme earlier this year was a step in the right direction, but we need to go further. It followed a review, which aimed to improve flexibility and accessibility.

“We must ensure that employers – especially in newly eligible sectors – are fully aware of the benefits and supports available. That means media campaigns, targeted outreach and ongoing review of the scheme’s accessibility and attractiveness.”

Deputy Ó Muirí also welcomed commitments in the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025–2030 and the Programme for Government to review the minimum hours requirement and examine increases to the payment rate.

“These are positive commitments, but they must be backed by action. The Government must prioritise these reforms and ensure the Wage Subsidy Scheme is fit for purpose in delivering real employment opportunities for disabled people across Ireland,” concluded Deputy Ó Muirí.