This question is similar to Question No. 80. I am surprised they were not grouped because they are very similar. I want to ask the Minister about the number of employers who are employing people with the support of the wage subsidy scheme. There are three strands to the scheme. I asked about strand 1 and strand 2 and I am not sure why I left out strand 3 but if the Minister has that information, it would be welcome as well.
Sentiment score: 0.20
I put my question.
Sentiment score: 0.00
The review is very welcome, because those figures are quite low. I thought there might have been greater uptake of the scheme by companies. There is great capacity in the scheme to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities and enhance the workplace by increasing diversity and making it more accessible. I welcome the review and the fact it has suggested changes that, hopefully, will increase awareness of the scheme and bring in new companies that might be inclined to enter the scheme and hire people with disabilities. I will also mention the employability projects throughout the country. There is a very active one in Galway, which works with a lot of different companies making sure they are aware that they can avail of the scheme and helping people with disabilities to find employment. I welcome the review. I note there has been no increase in the level of subsidy available to companies since January 2022. I ask for that to be looked at in light of budgets 2025 and 2026.
Sentiment score: 0.38
I thank the Minister for his response and his openness to looking at the subsidy that is available. Perhaps there will be an opportunity in the next budget to increase the subsidy. I look forward to the information campaign around the scheme. I am sure the Minister will share that with all his colleagues in the House. We will be available. I agree with him that the opportunity for employers to employ people with a disability increases diversity in the workplace, which is beneficial for companies and employees alike. I compliment the Minister on the work in this area. It is to be hoped it will lead to an increased number of companies taking up the scheme and people with disabilities entering the workplace.
Sentiment score: 0.46