asked the Minister for Education if he will make regulations requiring the National Flag and a copy of the 1916 Proclamation to be displayed in all national schools in the Republic.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Flag and 1916 Proclamation for Schools.
asked the Minister for Education whether he will arrange for the display in every classroom in our national schools of a copy of the Proclamation of Easter Week, 1916, and of photographs of the signatories to the Proclamation, and if he will further arrange to have instructions given to all children attending the national schools in regard to the respect to be paid to the National Flag and the National Anthem.
I propose taking Questions Nos. 2 and 3 together.
I have given careful consideration to the suggestions implied in the Deputies' questions and I have come to the conclusion that no useful purpose would be served by making and enforcing regulations such as they recommend. Symbols so precious as the National Flag and the 1916 Proclamation are apt to have their significance obscured and their appeal blunted if, instead of being reserved for solemn national occasions, as I think they should be, they are made subject to casual every-day familiarity. The better way, in my opinion, to inculcate patriotism in the young people of our national schools is to base it firmly on instruction in our language, our history, our music and song and our folk-lore. Respect for the National Flag and worthy pride in the sacrifices and achievements connected with our history will naturally follow and be stronger and more deeply rooted than if their growth appeared to be dictated.
Is the Minister aware that the view expressed by him is one that runs directly counter to that taken by leaders in other countries and that suggestions such as are implied in the Deputies' questions have for a long number of years been carried out in the United States of America?
We are going through our own growth, both in our institutions and their management and in the rooting of our patriotism in the realities of Irish character and Irish tradition. If at any time it appears that any of these things is necessary and would help in any way towards that, then the matter can be reconsidered.
Will the Minister reconsider it if he accepts the assurance from me that there are numbers of young people in our schools who cannot give a list of the leaders executed in 1916?