112. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Youth the next steps for schools where a majority of respondents to her Department's primary school survey favoured a move to multi-denominational patronage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52263/26]

113. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department has provided guidance to schools on how to engage with parents and communities prior to the 31 October deadline to discuss the publication of her Department's primary school survey; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52264/26]

114. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Youth if concerns were raised within her Department around the 31 October deadline and the practicality of the consultation period from September to October; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52265/26]

115. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Youth the steps being taken to ensure more non-denominational schools are being built across the country following the publication of the Department's primary school survey; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52266/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 112, 113, 114 and 115 together.

On 4 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 4 November to 16 December 2025.

Through the survey, my department has obtained 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 co-education or single-sex school provision, patronage/ethos and language (education through Irish or through English).

In early June, my department issued primary schools with their school-specific results and explanatory information setting out next steps and guidance, marking the next stage in the process of engaging school communities on the future direction of their schools.

All school-level reports have now been published on the gov.ie webpages by my department, alongside a national summary report including a county breakdown of the results.

Where the survey results show demand for change, Boards of Management have the opportunity to consider being included in the first group of schools to action the survey results, following a period of engagement and consultation with their school community (including their parents and Parent’s Association, Student Council, school staff and local community, including parents with children not yet in school). Schools have been asked to inform my department and their patron by 31 October 2026 if the school requests to be included in the first group of schools to action the survey results. The timeframe of 31 October is aimed at striking the balance between giving all schools time to reflect on their results and engage with their community, while leaving enough time for the schools who would like to change as part of the first group of schools, to be supported in doing so for September 2027.

The survey results are intended to support meaningful local engagement and informed decision-making at school level. My department will continue to support and engage with schools as they consider their individual results and next steps.

The first changes arising from this process are expected to be seen in schools from September 2027.

Regarding the establishment of new schools, my department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a geographical information system, using data from a range of sources, including CSO census data, child benefit and school enrolment data, to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise and where additional school accommodation is needed at primary and post-primary level.

Where demographic data indicates that additional provision is required, the delivery of such additional provision is dependent on the circumstances of each case and may, be provided through:

• Utilising existing unused capacity within a school or schools,

• Extending the capacity of a school or schools,

• Provision of a new school or schools.

If additional accommodation is required, the aim to try and facilitate this, as much as possible, by way of expansion of existing schools rather than establishing new schools.

New schools are only established in areas of demographic growth as the resources available for school infrastructure have to be prioritised to meet the needs of areas of significant population increase so as to ensure that every child has a school place.

Regarding actioning the Primary School Survey results, my department will support schools which request to be included in the first group of schools to change arising from the survey process, which is a very cost-effective method to add greater diversity to the school system compared to building new schools.