248. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of employers that availed of the wage subsidy scheme for those with disabilities in 2025; the number of employees; and the total cost of the scheme in 2025. [65991/26]

The Wage Subsidy Scheme gives financial support to employers who employ people with disabilities. It is a workplace support for employers from the Department of Social Protection. The scheme supports employers where a person’s disability or health condition means their job tasks or role need to be significantly adapted. The wage subsidy is paid to the employer. The employer pays the employee their normal wages.

As of the end of December 2025, there were 1,762 employers availing of the scheme and a total of 2,859 employees who were employed under the scheme.

The total cost of the scheme in 2025 was €22.11 million.