The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, has announced an increase to the subsidy paid to recognised Gaeltacht families who accommodate students on Irish-language courses, with approved hostels and residential colleges also benefiting.

Under the Department's Irish Language Learners Scheme, payments to eligible host families will rise by €1.50 per student per night to €16. Recognised hostels and residential colleges will likewise see a €1.50 uplift, bringing their nightly rate to €12 per student. The changes take effect from 30 May 2026.

Minister Calleary said: "I am delighted to announce this increase to the oldest scheme administered by my Department, the Irish Language Learners Scheme. Following on from the €1.50 increase that I awarded last year, and knowing the value of the service provided by the families and hostel providers, I was very happy to approve the same increase again this year." This is the fifth rise since the start of 2022, amounting to a 60% increase for scheme families (from €10 to €16) and a 140% increase for hostels and residential colleges (from €5 to €12). More than 530 registered Gaeltacht families are expected to benefit. The move supports the Irish language and the Gaeltacht in line with the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010–2030.

In addition to the regular courses, the Minister has approved higher subsidies across related elements of the scheme: ERASMUS Gaeltachta will increase from €23.50 to €25 per night, while the Gaeltacht Island Scheme (ÁRAINN) will rise from €35.50 to €37 per night.

Concluding, Minister Calleary said: "The families who provide accommodation, as well as the colleges, deserve recognition for the valuable resource they provide to those attending Irish language courses. I am confident that the increase in my Department's support will help to cover the cost of providing accommodation and to attract more families to this important sector that will grow and develop in the coming years."

The Irish Language Learners Scheme—the Department's longest-running scheme—aims to provide additional language acquisition and enrichment opportunities in the Gaeltacht for post‑primary and third‑level attendees. As a result of the increase announced, the Department will invest over €8 million in 2026 in support of the sector.

By way of illustration, a family hosting 16 learners for three standard three-week courses (20 nights each) would gain 16 students x 20 nights x 3 courses x €1.50, equating to €1,440 in additional income next year. At the new €16 nightly rate, the three-week stay equals €320 per student.