Parents asked to weigh in on school patronage, religious ethos, and educational preferences by December 16
A large-scale national survey has begun in Irish primary schools as the government prepares for significant reforms to the education sector, with Education and Training Board Ireland urging all parents and guardians to participate before the December 16 deadline.
The survey represents the most comprehensive consultation of its kind in Ireland, aimed at gathering parental perspectives on fundamental questions about the structure and ethos of primary education nationwide.
Key Focus Areas
The primary objective is to determine whether religious beliefs are given priority over other considerations in school admissions and operations, and whether changes are needed to existing arrangements. This addresses ongoing concerns about religious discrimination in school access, recently highlighted by the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance.
The survey also seeks to understand parental preferences regarding multi-denominational schools, co-educational settings, and Irish-medium (Gaelscoil) education options.
Context of Reform
The consultation comes as Ireland grapples with its historically Catholic-dominated education system. Most primary schools have traditionally been run by the Catholic Church with religious instruction embedded in curricula, though patronage transfers to secular bodies and establishment of multi-denominational schools have been underway.
Current law prohibits schools from using religion as a selection criterion, but publicly-funded schools promoting religious values can refuse admission if “essential to maintain the ethos of the school”—an exemption critics argue enables continued discrimination.
The Department of Education has already announced plans for this national patronage and ethos survey, representing a positive development according to advocacy groups.
Participation Urged
Education and Training Board Ireland emphasized the importance of broad participation to ensure the survey accurately reflects diverse parental views across the country. The results will inform policy decisions about school patronage, religious instruction, and the balance between denominational and secular education options.
The December 16 deadline gives parents approximately six weeks to complete the survey, which can be accessed through schools or education department channels.