Religious patrons will have the "ultimate say" on whether a primary school changes its ethos, according to the education minister, as a landmark survey finds strong demand for more multi-denominational education. The vast majority of primary schools (88.3%) remain under Catholic patronage, with local bishops acting as patrons. "It will be up to the local school to decide themselves on that," she said. A good response rate at individual school level will also be relevant in assessing parental preferences. "It's going to be, I think, very interesting information for individual schools that will be issued to them in the month of May."

Source: Irish Examiner April 08, 2026 03:39 UTC