Ireland’s national anthem, Amhrán na bhFiann, is not included anywhere in the national curriculum at either primary or secondary level. This means that teaching it is entirely optional — left to individual schools and teachers — with no guarantee that children will ever learn it as part of their education.

This is simply not good enough.

We believe Amhrán na bhFiann should be taught to every child in every school as a basic part of civic, musical, and cultural education. It is a simple expression of national identity and belonging — and like most other countries, we should ensure it is included in our curriculum as a matter of course.

In response to a recent Parliamentary Question, the Minister for Education admitted that the anthem is not formally included in any part of the curriculum. The Government’s failure to act reflects a wider pattern of disregard for our republican heritage.

Join me in calling on the Minister for Education to act now and ensure that Amhrán na bhFiann is included in the national curriculum without delay.

Please sign and share this petition to show your support.

Conor D. McGuinness TD (Sinn Féin) Waterford

Spokesperson for Rural Affairs, Community Development and the Gaeltacht