Should teaching the national anthem be mandatory in schools?
Last week, Waterford City and County Council passed a motion in support of introducing the mandatory teaching of our national anthem in schools.
Currently, teaching Amhrán na bhFiann in primary or secondary schools is not mandatory and is a matter for each individual school to decide.
Proposed by Sinn Féin councillor Donnchadh Mulcahy last week, the specifics of the motion were that "Waterford City & County Council notes the importance of Amhrán na bhFiann, Ireland’s National Anthem, as a symbol of our national identity, shared history, and civic life, and that the Council further recognises the role that schools play in fostering civic awareness, cultural understanding, and respect for national traditions among young people."
Cllr Mulcahy asked that the Council write to the Minister for Education, calling on the Department of Education to examine the introduction of a mandatory requirement that all primary and post-primary school pupils are taught the words, meaning, and appropriate performance of the National Anthem, Amhrán na bhFiann, as part of the school curriculum.
The motion was passed unanimously.
Cllr Kate O'Mahoney (SF) said the national anthem is not only "about being part of our national identity but also understanding our heritage and culture."
Cllr Joe Kelly (Ind) added that "nationalism in a broad sense is often being eliminated or watered down now and being able to understand and sing the national anthem is a very important thing. It shouldn't be diluted in any way.”
Last year, we asked locals on the streets of Waterford city centre for their stance on the topic.
Click here to find out what they said.
