Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 February 2026
172. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Education and Youth the way in which participation in the National Conversation on Education is being promoted among students, parents, teachers, and youth organisations; and how the responses gathered will be incorporated into the upcoming Convention on Education and long-term strategy development. [11015/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn January 14th, I launched the first ever National Conversation on Education with school communities and national stakeholders. The National Conversation is an opportunity for everyone across the country to shape the future of education in Ireland.
There are a number of different ways in which people of all ages can share their views on the future of Irish education including completing our survey, making a written submission or hosting their own conversation in a school or within their organisation.
The National Conversation is being promoted via my department’s media channels including press releases and social media. Schools, along with our education partners and stakeholders, including youth organisations, have also been asked to promote the National Conversation among their communities and networks. The survey and submissions process will be open until the 28th February 2026. A partner pack has also issued to our stakeholders, including sample social media assets, to share with their networks to promote youth engagement. We have also issued a communication to all 3,700 schools to encourage students and school staff to have their own conversations on education and enter a submission with their findings.
In addition, school community engagement events are currently being held across the country. These events have been promoted to students, parents, teachers, and other school community members through their local education support centres.
The findings from the National Conversation will shape the agenda for the Convention, which in turn will be agreed by Government. ?The Convention will produce a report and recommendations, which will inform the development of a new long-term Department of Education and Youth strategy for education in Ireland.
