Minister Byrne announces increase in daily allowances for Gaeltacht families and hostels under Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge
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From: Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
- Published on: 12 May 2024
- Last updated on: 19 September 2024
In order to better support the successful administration of the Irish Summer College sector, an increase in the grants paid under Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge has been announced today by Minister of State for the Gaeltacht Thomas Byrne.
The daily allowance paid under the department’s Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge to households recognised under the scheme will be increased by €1, from €12 to €13; and the daily allowance paid to hostels/boarding schools recognised as providing accommodation under the scheme will be increased by €2.50, from €7 to €9.50.
The table below outlines the breakdown of increases since 2022.
| Daily allowance | Increase allowed [2022] | New rate for 2024 |
| Ordinary courses | €11 to €12 | €13 |
| Hostel/boarding school accommodation | €6 to €7 | €9.50 |
| ERASMUS Gaeltachta | €20 to €21 | €22 |
| ÁRAINN Gaeltachta | €32 to €33 | €34 |
Minister Byrne said today:
"I understand the importance of Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge, not only to the Gaeltacht, but also in terms of the valuable life experience attendees on courses gain while they are immersed in Irish in the Gaeltacht. The households who provide accommodation are the backbone of this scheme and I want to acknowledge their contribution. I am glad to note that this is the third increase under Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge provided during the term of this government. In total, this represents an increase of almost 30% on the daily rate payable to families, while in the context of boarding schools and hostels, it represents an increase of 90% from €5 to €9.50.”
Notes
The objective of the Scéim na Fhoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge (SFG) - which is the oldest scheme administered by the department, is to support the provision of additional opportunities for language acquisition and enrichment in the Gaeltacht for post-primary and third level students.
As a result of the increase that has been announced, an overall fund worth approximately €5.5 million will be invested annually by the department for the benefit of the sector.
Allowance increase to €13
An example of the impact of the increase on a household hosting 13 students is outlined below:
13 students x 20 nights x 3 three-week courses x €1 = €780