Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn is asking parents in 38 areas across the country for their input on the kind of school they would like for their children.

An online survey has been launched today (January 14th) and the parents or guardians of children in the areas are being urged to fill it in.

This research will expand upon a smaller survey undertaken last year in five areas that discovered a desire for more multi-denominational schools.

Currently, more than 90 per cent of the 3,000 primary schools across the country are run by the Catholic Church.

If the responses to this survey suggest a preference for an expanded choice, the Department of Education will begin talks with the existing bodies about a change of patronage.

Mr Quinn said: "This is an historic opportunity for parents to have a real say in the type of school they wish to send their children to, be it denominational, multi-denominational, all-Irish or other."

The full list of areas to be surveyed can be found here.

Written by Donal Walsh.

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