Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 April 2026
521. 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 county-by-county level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28531/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn the 4th of November 2025, my department published a 'Framework and action plan for delivery of increased choice for parents on education provision at primary level'. The main focus of this framework and action plan was an online, school-specific survey. The survey ran from the 4th of November to the 16th of December 2025.
Through the survey, my department is obtaining 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 (English or Irish).
The results of the survey will help my department to plan how education at primary level is provided.
As set out in the framework and action plan, initial high-level summary results are to be published in early 2026, with a Q2 2026 timeframe for the school-level data.
In line with this commitment, I recently announced the high-level national and county summary results in respect of the preferences of parents with children currently in primary school. My department is continuing its detailed analysis of the survey data and is preparing finalised school-specific reports. These school reports will also include the preferences of parents and guardians of children who are not yet in primary school and will be issued to all primary schools in May. This is in line with the Q2 2026 timeframe that was previously stated by my department.
The preliminary national findings indicate that:
• Approximately 87% of parents in English-medium schools support maintaining English as the primary language of instruction.
While this figure provides a national overview, it is important to note that it is the preferences within each individual school community that will determine future direction. Demand for change, or continuity, will vary from school to school. A good response rate at individual school level will also be relevant in assessing the parental preferences.
Further information on the primary school survey, including a county breakdown of preferences concerning English as the primary language of instruction , can be found on the weblink below:
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/press-releases/minister-for-education-and-youth-welcomes-strong-participation-in-the-national-primary-school-survey-as-parents-and-school-communities-have-their-say-on-the-future-of-primary-schools/.
