- Introduction
The Department of Education and Youth is offering all recognised primary schools an opportunity to apply to take part in the Say Yes to Languages sampler module, which will be offered again in the 2026/2027 school year.
This is the second year of the programme and will focus on preparation for the introduction of modern foreign languages, supporting the teachers to upskill in a foreign language and teach the module, as well as providing grants to support the teaching by a visiting teacher/tutor in the short term. Say Yes to Languages will continue to be offered to pupils in 5th and 6th class.
- Application
Schools must apply using this link Application Form 2026/27. The deadline for application is 5pm on 27th April 2026. Applications after the deadline will not be accepted. Participation will be confirmed to schools by 5pm on 25th of May 2026.
- Funding
Funding for the programme is provided to successful schools via a grant paid directly into the school’s bank account. The payment will be based on the number of participating classrooms (please note that, for funding purposes, two or more-year groups combined in one classroom will count as one unit). Funding for the grant is by application only.
- Schools that are participating for the first time will receive full grant (1 classroom participating, €500; 2 classrooms participating, €1,000)
- For reapplying schools, the grant will decrease by 20% each subsequent year.
- Accounting for the Grants
The income and associated expenditure should be recorded appropriately in the school’s accounts. The following are possible scenarios that may apply and the related nominal codes to be used under each scenario.
Scenario 1 – Where schools nominate a teacher on staff who commits to participate in a foreign language upskilling course.
| Type | Nominal Code | Description |
| Grant Receipt | 3170 | Other Subject Grant |
| Grant Expenditure | 4620 | Teacher Inservice and Training Expense |
Scenario 2 – Where the school uses the grant to purchase materials or teaching aids
| Type | Nominal Code | Description |
| Grant Receipt | 3170 | Other Subject Grant |
| Grant Expenditure | 4310 | Teaching Aids |
Scenario 3 – Where schools contract the services of an external teacher/tutor, the cost must be processed through the schools’ payroll and subject to payroll taxes.
| Type | Nominal Code | Description |
| Grant Receipt | 3170 | Other Subject Grant |
| Grant Expenditure | 4198 | Other Educational Wages Expense |
Scenario 4 – Where schools contract the services of a company, or the external teachers/tutors are self-employed i.e. proof of tax clearance, a valid invoice and business insurance is provided.
| Type | Nominal Code | Description |
| Grant Receipt | 3170 | Other Subject Grant |
| Grant Expenditure | 4490 | Other Subject Expense |
The Say Yes To Languages grant for 2026/27 a ring-fenced grant and the unspent balance at the year-end must be reconciled and details given to external accountant for reporting in the annual accounts.
- Reference and Queries
Queries in relation to this grant should be emailed to primary@ppli.ie.
Further information can be found on Circular 0035/2026.