Summary: Minister for Education and Youth Helen McEntee TD has launched Ireland’s largest-ever survey of parents, guardians, and school communities to assess demand for different types of primary school provision, including patronage, co-education, and Irish-medium education. The online survey, open from 4 November to 16 December 2025, aims to expand parental choice and guide future school planning.
Dublin, 4 November 2025 — The Irish Government has unveiled a landmark initiative to give parents and school communities a stronger voice in shaping the future of education. Minister for Education and Youth Helen McEntee today launched the largest survey of its kind ever undertaken in Ireland, inviting parents, guardians, teachers, and school board members to share their views on the type of primary school provision they want in their local areas.
Purpose of the Survey
The survey will gather data on parental preferences regarding school patronage, co-educational versus single-sex provision, and Irish-medium education. It is designed to ensure that the education system reflects both the diversity of Irish society and the specific needs of local communities.
“This is the first time every primary school community in Ireland will have the opportunity to clearly express what kind of school they wish to see in their area,” Minister McEntee said. “Our education system must respond to what parents want for their children.”
Confidentiality and Support
All responses will remain confidential and anonymous. Where demand for alternative provision is identified, the Department of Education and Youth will work directly with schools to explore options. This includes appointing facilitators to support boards, staff, and parents through the process.
To ease practical transitions, schools that undergo reconfiguration will be eligible for once-off funding of up to €5,000 to cover costs such as updating signage, stationery, or websites.
Broader Context
The initiative builds on recent examples of schools across Ireland that have successfully transitioned in areas such as patronage and language provision. It also reflects a broader government commitment to inclusive, respectful, and community-driven education policy.
Minister McEntee emphasized that the survey will strengthen existing approaches by providing clarity and consistency for schools and parents, while ensuring that every child’s right to an inclusive education experience is upheld.
Next Steps
The survey will remain open until 16 December 2025, after which results will be analyzed to inform future policy decisions. The findings are expected to play a central role in shaping Ireland’s education landscape for the coming decade.
In short: The Department of Education and Youth has launched a nationwide survey of parents and school communities to guide the future of primary education in Ireland. The results will help determine demand for different types of schools and ensure that parental choice is central to education policy.
Department-of-Education-Ireland-Picture-by-Jean-Housen
Source: Department of Education and Youth – Minister McEntee launches largest ever survey of primary school and pre-school parents gov.ie.
