Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 May 2026
105. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will outline payment changes to Gaeltacht families providing accommodation for students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38337/26]
View answerMy Department supports the Irish summer colleges sector to foster language acquisition and enrichment opportunities in the Gaeltacht for learners of the language. The Department provides a subsidy under Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge/the Irish Language Learners Scheme (SFG) payable to qualifying Gaeltacht households providing accommodation for those attending an Irish course in any one of the c. 40 Irish-language colleges operating under the scheme.
On Thursday, 14th May 2026, I announced an increase in the subsidy payable to recognised households providing accommodation for students under the Irish Language Learners Scheme.
Under this initiative, which will come into effect from 30th May 2026, the subsidy for recognised households will increase by €1.50 from €14.50 to €16 per student per night. An increase €1.50 from €10.50 to €12 per student per night, will also be paid to hostels and residential colleges providing accommodation under the scheme. Over 530 households from across the Gaeltacht who are registered with the Department will benefit from this increase.
This is the fifth increase since the beginning of 2022 resulting in a 60% increase paid to households (from €10 to €16) and a 140% increase for hostels and residential colleges (€5 to €12).
The subsidy benefits over 29,000 learners per year and represents a State investment of over €8m annually in support of the Irish summer colleges sector.
Evidence indicates an upward trend in the number of learners attending Gaeltacht colleges. Departmental figures show that over 29,000 learners participated in courses at Gaeltacht colleges in 2025. This represents an increase on the figure for 2024 and also on the pre-pandemic figure in 2019 which both stood at around 27,000.
I have also approved an increase in the subsidy paid under the other schemes that fall under the auspices of the Irish Language Learners Scheme. Under this initiative, payments under Scéim Árainn Gaeltachta will increase from €23.50 to €25 while those under ERASMUS Gaeltachta will increase from €35.50 to €37.
The overall objective of this increase is to support the Irish language and the Gaeltacht in line with the objectives of the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030 and the commitment in the Programme for Government to continue to support the sector where possible.
