Parents of pupils at Catholic primary schools, as well as potential incoming parents, are to be surveyed to assess the level of support for changing to a multi-denominational ethos.

A recent pilot initiative aimed at delivering multi-denominational schooling options in eight areas resulted in a distinct lack of local support and only two schools transferred from Catholic patronage.

Nonetheless, the Department of Education secretary general Bernie McNally told the annual conference of Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI) that the Department is looking at running an online parental survey of Catholic primary schools regarding reconfiguration.

“This would be for parents of children in the school and also potential incoming parents,” she said.

“As part of this process, it is our intention to keep school staff informed as the process progresses. We are currently examining the best ways of providing specific information directly to all staff.”

She added that the Department was conscious of the need to give concise information to parents, school staff and the wider community.