Donegal parents urged to have their say on the future of primary school provision by completing landmark survey 

Minister for Education and Youth Helen McEntee has today called on all parents and guardians in Donegal to take part in a landmark survey that will help shape the future of primary school provision in the county.

The online survey – the largest of its kind ever undertaken in Ireland – seeks the views of parents, guardians, and primary school communities on key aspects of school provision, including patronage, co-education, and Irish-medium education.

This initiative marks a major step in expanding parental choice and ensuring that school options reflect the needs and preferences of local families.

Parents and guardians of children who are either in, or yet to start, primary school – as well as primary school staff and members of primary school Boards of Management – will be asked to take part.

The survey will run until 16th December 2025.

Minister McEntee said: “Our education system must reflect our society but more importantly, it must respond to what parents want for their children. That is why I have launched the largest ever survey of parents and guardians of pre-school and primary-school students, to determine what type of education they would like to see for their child.

“This is the first time parents, guardians, teachers and board members across every primary school community in Donegal and throughout Ireland have the opportunity to clearly express what kind of school they wish to see in their area. I strongly encourage everyone to take part to help ensure that our education system not only reflects our society but, more importantly, responds to what parents want for their children.

“Where schools wish to explore options, my department will provide direct support, including the appointment of a facilitator to work with boards, staff and parents.

“Your input will directly influence decisions about the types of schools available in Donegal, helping to create an education system that reflects the values and priorities of your local community. It will help to ensure clarity and consistency for schools and parents and will also help ensure that every child’s right to an inclusive and respectful education experience is upheld.

“Filling out the survey is quick, easy and confidential. To ensure your views are captured, you can complete it now by going to www.gov.ie/primaryschoolsurvey.”

All responses to the survey will remain confidential and anonymous. In areas where parents and guardians of current and future pupils express interest in an alternative provision, the department will help school communities and provide support to them.

To assist with the practical aspects of reconfiguration, once-off funding of up to €5,000 will be available to each participating school to cover implementation costs such as updating signage, stationery, or websites.

Examples of primary schools across Ireland which have seen changes in the three areas being assessed in recent years include:

EXAMPLES

• Nenagh Community National School, Tipperary, which changed patronage from the Diocese of Killaloe to Tipperary Education and Training Board in 2022
• Bunscoil Synge, Synge Street, Dublin 8, which transitioned to Irish medium education in recent years
• Scoil Iosáf and Courtenay NS, Newcastle West, Limerick, which both transitioned to co-educational status from September 2025

Information regarding co-education, patronage / ethos and education through Irish can be accessed here: www.gov.ie/primaryschoolsurvey.

The online survey is available from here: www.gov.ie/primaryschoolsurvey