Minister Canney encourages public participation in National Conversation on Education
Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has encouraged parents, students, educators and communities across Galway and beyond to take part in the newly launched National Conversation on Education.
The initiative, jointly launched by the Department of Education and Youth and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, invites the public to share their views on how Ireland’s education system should evolve over the coming decades.
Minister Canney said the process represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help shape the future of education policy.
“This is an open invitation to everyone with a stake in education – parents, young people, teachers, school staff, community groups and employers – to have their say on what our education system should look like in the years ahead,” Minister Canney said.
“The views gathered through this process will directly inform the Convention on Education later this year and will help shape long-term education policy, as well as a new action plan for early learning and care. That makes public engagement absolutely vital.”
The National Conversation opens today, 14 January 2026. Members of the public can take part by completing the online survey or making a submission through the National Conversation on Education portal on the Department of Education and Youth website, as well as by hosting local conversations in schools, youth settings and community organisations. The consultation process will remain open until 28 February 2026.
Minister Canney encouraged people to share the survey widely to maximise participation.
“I would strongly encourage people to take a few minutes to engage with this process and to share it through social media, school networks and WhatsApp groups. The strength of this conversation will depend on the breadth of voices involved,” he said.
The outcomes of the National Conversation will help set the agenda for the Convention on Education, which will inform a new long-term strategy for Ireland’s education system.