Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 July 2026
298. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Education and Youth the mechanisms through which parents and organisations representing parents may engage with her Department on matters relating to the quality or contents of educational resources provided in schools; and the number of occasions on which she has met with such organisations in the past twelve months. [54437/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Parents Council (NPC), representative body for parents of children in primary and post-primary education, serves as an important channel of communication between parents and my department. Annual funding is provided to support its work, including €765,782 in 2025.
The NPC represents parents’ views on education policy, curriculum reform and educational resources, ensuring that parental perspectives are reflected in policy development, implementation and decision-making.
The NPC is on the Primary and Post-Primary Education Fora, which support the planning and sequencing of change across the school sector.
The NPC is also a key stakeholder of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) and its advisory structures, ensuring that parents’ perspectives inform curriculum development and related resources across early childhood, primary and post-primary education. In addition, the NCCA facilitates parental participation through online surveys, written submissions, consultation events and focus groups.
The NPC represents parents on a wide range of Department-led groups, including those relating to special education, senior cycle redevelopment, DEIS, anti-bullying procedures, student and parent supports, and disability participation and consultation.
The NPC is also participating in the 2026 Convention on Education, ensuring that parents’ views are reflected in national discussions on the future direction of education.
My department has also engaged with the NPC on the development of the Education (Student and Parent Charter) Bill.
I met with the NPC in March of this year. In addition, both the NPC and individual parents may raise concerns directly with me and my department regarding the national curriculum, educational resources and other education matters. This direct engagement helps ensure that parental views inform policy development and decision-making at national level.
