Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 April 2026
56. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will arrange for her Department to send a framed copy of the 1916 Proclamation to all primary and secondary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17285/26]
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 their school community, and whilst schools may choose to carry out activities relating to displaying the 1916 Proclamation, it is not mandatory.
My department recognises the importance of national symbols, including the 1916 Proclamation, 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 1916 Proclamation and the National Anthem, Amhrán na bhFiann, into their commemorative activities.
The curricular frameworks provide clear pathways for schools to include or display the 1916 Proclamation as part of broader learning about Irish history and identity; however, it is a matter for each school to decide whether to include or display it as part of their Irish or History programme.
