Final call for Kildare parents to have their say on the future of primary schools

The Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton TD, has issued a final call for County Kildare parents to have their say on the future of primary schools

It follows after a survey in relation to the topic was highlighted by the Kildare-based Senator Fiona O'Loughlin last month.

The survey, which is the largest of its kind, invites parents and guardians of all children from birth to 12 years old to share their preferences on school ethos, including whether or not they would like a religious or multi-denominational setting. 

Parents and guardians of children who are either in, or soon to start, primary school, including staff and Boards of Management, are being invited to have their say in the final days of the survey.

According to the Department, 36 per cent of eligible households in Kildare have had their say on the survey to date.

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Reminding parents throughout Kildare of the survey, Minister Naughton said earlier today (December 2): "Parents and guardians are the real experts when it comes to their children, and it is only right that their voices are placed at the core of how we provide education in Ireland. 

"I would like to see a strong response rate for every primary school to ensure that we have heard the views of as many households and communities as possible."

"I and my department want to know what parents and school communities want for their school, and, as the closing date for this survey looms, I am encouraging parents, guardians and wider school communities in Kildare to engage to ensure that their views form part of our future."

She continued: "By assessing parental demand in every community, we can identify what the need is and work with schools to support them through that process; this survey is just the beginning of our engagement.

"Where there is clear support from parents and guardians for change to be considered, a further process of inclusive dialogue will follow.

"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."

Minister Naughton concluded: "Further engagement with stakeholders will assist in strengthening approaches already in place, ensuring clarity and consistency for schools and parents, ensuring that every child’s right to an inclusive and respectful education experience is upheld."

In addition, the Minister also issued assurances that all responses to the survey will remain confidential and anonymous.

The survey can be completed online at www.gov.ie/primaryschoolsurvey.

It closes on December 16, 2025.

Minister Hildegarde Naughton, TD. Photograph credit: oireachtas.ie

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