Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 June 2026
752. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth the position regarding any research carried out into the level of demand for Irish medium primary schools at a national level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41575/26]
View answerThe Programme for Government 2025, Securing Ireland’s Future, includes a commitment to establish Gaelscoileanna and Gaelcholáistí where there is demand, and support parents choosing Irish-medium education for their children.
My department conducted the Primary School Survey in late 2025.The survey, which is the largest of its kind ever undertaken in Ireland, was school specific and aimed to assess parental demand and preferences for different types of primary school provision. Through the survey, my department has obtained clear information on the preferences of parents and guardians about the primary schools which their children currently attend, or will attend in coming years, on a number of important areas of primary school provision, including language of instruction (Irish or English).
Last week my department provided primary schools with their school-specific results, which included the preferences from their parents in relation to Irish. These results will now help to support meaningful local engagement and informed decision-making at school level as to the future direction that works best for each individual school community.
From responses provided in the survey, my department is obtaining clear information on the preferences of parents and guardians about the primary schools their children currently attend, or will attend in coming years, and on a number of key areas of primary school provision, including language of instruction (Irish or English).
The results of the survey will help my department to plan how education at primary level is provided. The survey preferences on education through Irish will inform future school planning and consultation around opportunities to provide increased education provision through Irish.
