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Dublin, 15 August 2025 — Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, has announced a €1.964 million funding package to extend the Language Assistants Scheme for the 2025/2026 school year. The package includes a 10% pay increase for language assistants, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to the promotion and preservation of the Irish language.
📚 Scheme Overview
Established in 1992, the Language Assistants Scheme supports Irish language education across Gaeltacht regions and designated Irish-Language Networks. The scheme is administered on behalf of the Department by:
- Muintearas – Donegal and the Western Region
- Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne – Southern Region
- Glór na nGael – Gaeltacht Service Towns and Irish-Language Networks
Currently, the scheme operates in:
- 102 primary schools
- 29 post-primary schools
- 1 special school in Gaeltacht areas
- 11 primary and 5 post-primary schools in Gaeltacht Service Towns and Irish-Language Networks
🏫 Expansion and Impact
In response to public demand and to support the language planning process, the scheme will be extended to:
- Cork City and Donegal Town (Gaeltacht Service Towns)
- 13 additional schools, bringing the total number of participating schools to 161
This expansion aims to deepen the reach of Irish language education and strengthen community engagement with the national language.
💶 Pay Increase for Language Assistants
As part of the funding package, language assistants will receive a 10% pay increase, raising the hourly rate from €23.20 to €25.52, effective from the start of the 2025/2026 school year.
🗣 Minister’s Statement
Minister Calleary praised the dedication of those involved in the scheme:
“I congratulate both those involved in the management of the scheme and the assistants working in the schools on the outstanding work they are undertaking to provide young people with the opportunity to acquire and enrich their Irish. This increase represents a recognition of that work.”
He added that the one-year extension will allow the Department to engage with stakeholders to further develop the scheme in future years.
Minister Dara Calleary with Mayo Association of Philadelphia Picture by Jeff Meade
