Should the national anthem be mandatory in schools?

Waterford TD Conor D McGuinness has made calls for the national anthem to be on the school curriculum.

Currently, teaching Amhrán na bhFiann in primary or secondary schools is not mandatory and is a matter for each individual school to decide.

Deputy McGuinness said last week: “The national anthem is taught in many schools, but only because teachers choose to include it. It is not guaranteed. It is not protected. It is not included anywhere in the actual curriculum.

“Amhrán na bhFiann should be taught to every child in every school. It’s a basic expression of national identity and civic belonging. I am calling on the government to fix this and ensure Amhrán na bhFiann is included in the curriculum.”

A poll by The Journal this week found that 89.3% of people believe the national anthem should be taught across all schools in Ireland.

We asked locals in Waterford city centre this week if they think it should be mandatory to teach the Amhrán na bhFiann in schools.

Derek Rellis said: “Of course it should. 100%.

“It is important for young people to know and I think there should also be more Irish flags in our schools too.

“We cant get rid of our Irish identity. Our Irish history should be kept in the minds of young people."

James Lissack added: “It definitely should be on the curriculum. Our national anthem is who we are. Its important. The country has to have its identity. If we get rid of that what is the country?"

Claire Rockett Dalgarno said: "It should be taught in schools. I would say all our history should be on the curriculum. We cant tear it apart or lose it.

“What we teach our kids is important. It's part of our culture. Its who we are."