Irish Examiner view: Survey could shape the future of our education system

The parents of 826,000 children are to be asked by the Department of Education for their views on primary schooling

A survey on primary school practices may become a de facto referendum on attitudes to the Catholic Church. 

A survey which may alter the course of Irish education — and Irish society, potentially — will take place when the parents of 826,000 children are asked by the Department of Education for their views on primary schooling.

It is believed to be the largest ever national survey of its kind, with parents or guardians of every child up to 12 years of age being asked if they would prefer a religious or multi-denominational approach in primary school.