203. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Youth further to the findings of the National Primary School Survey 2026, which found that 73% of parents with children attending single-sex primary schools favoured a move towards co-education, whether her Department has plans to encourage or facilitate the amalgamation of single-sex schools that do not wish to move towards a co-educational model; the mechanisms that are available to parents, school communities and patrons who wish to pursue the amalgamation of single-sex schools in their area; the supports available from her Department to assist such a process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53868/26]

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, 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 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.