The vast majority of people are broadly impressed by the Irish education system - but more than 60 per cent are unwilling to pay more tax to fund it.
These were the main findings of a comprehensive poll of public attitudes published by the Department of Education and Science yesterday.
The survey found huge support for the publication of Junior and Leaving Cert results, and the release of information detailing the numbers from each school that proceed to third level.
However, it also showed huge concern about binge-drinking, lack of student discipline and drugs, which were identified as key problems facing schools.
Fifteen hundred people, chosen randomly, were surveyed as part of the Department's consultation process, Your Education System, established by former education minister Mr Dempsey last year.
In a surprising finding, over 56 per cent of those surveyed believed parents should meet some of the cost of third-level education. Almost 80 per cent said the Department should make alternative provision for the education of students who had lost interest in school.
On education funding there was widespread opposition to tax increases, even if the extra funds were earmarked for education. Over 60 per cent opposed any tax increase to provide more money for education. A clear majority also opposed a tax increase even if the revenue generated would benefit their children's education.
Overall, over 80 per cent rated schools in Ireland as either excellent or very good. There was also strong approval for teachers, with a huge majority agreeing it was a demanding job.
However, almost a quarter (22 per cent) said the teachers' unions had too much influence within the education system.
Those surveyed appeared to be less than impressed with the flow of information on schools. Almost 40 per cent said schools did not provide enough information about how well their own students were doing.
At both primary and second level, a clear majority favoured the publication of an annual report on performance by individual schools.
There was also strong support for the publication of school evaluation reports by Department inspectors.
Other main findings included:
57 per cent believed the teaching of foreign languages was not given sufficient attention in primary schools.
40 per cent said primary schools placed too little emphasis on "promoting moral development".
Over half of the respondents complained about the failure to "prepare students for the world of work" at second level.
Over 40 per cent also said too little emphasis was placed on preparing students to contribute as active members of society.
There appeared to be little concern about the length of the school day and the school year. Well over 70 per cent believed this was "just right" at both primary and second level.
However, over 50 per cent said there were too many one-day closures during school term and over 40 per cent thought there were too many half days.
Some 54 per cent believed the Department should continue to provide fee-paying schools with funding. However, 35 per cent disagreed.
A clear majority supported reform of the Leaving Cert and there was wide support for new systems, which would give parents and students a much greater say in the education system.
A majority also supported the idea of nondenominational schools, with a provision for religious instruction.
