Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 April 2026
490. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Education and Youth if there has been any engagement in relation to making the National Anthem, Amhrán na bhFiann, mandatory for primary school students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28083/26]
View answerUnder the Education Act 1998 in Ireland, the Board of Management of a school is primarily responsible for the management of the school on behalf of the patron and for the benefit of the students. The school principal, under the direction of the board, is responsible for the day-to-day management of the school. Therefore, it is a matter for each school to decide on how best to serve the school community and while schools may choose to carry out activities relating to the National Anthem, Amhrán na bhFiann, it could not be mandatory.
The curricular frameworks provide clear pathways for schools to include Amhrán na bhFiann as part of broader learning about Irish history and identity, it is a matter for each school to decide whether to include the National Anthem as part of their Irish, History or Music programme.
The department recognises the importance of national symbols, including Amhrán na bhFiann, as valuable educational tools for fostering civic pride and historical awareness. This was clearly demonstrated during the 2016 Centenary Programme, when schools nationwide participated meaningfully in the National Flag Ceremony while incorporating the anthem into their commemorative activities.
In terms of the Primary School Curriculum, schools can choose to teach the anthem as part of the strands Eras of Change and Conflict or Politics, Conflict and Society, which form part of the curriculum for senior classes in primary schools. They could also choose to teach the anthem as part of the strand Performing, which includes the very important strand unit Song Singing. This strand unit recommends teaching Amhráin Ghaeilge (songs in Irish).’
Taken together, these actions, along with the wider curriculums, provide for a strong sense of cultural identity and understanding.
