asked the Minister for Education if he will suggest to the managers and principal teachers of all schools under his control that the 1916 Proclamation be displayed in all schools.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Displaying 1916 Proclamation in Schools.
I would refer the Deputy to an answer given by me on the 9th November last to questions by Deputy Kyne and Deputy Cowan.
It is not my intention to make any general suggestion in this matter to the managers of schools.
Is the Minister not aware that in very many cases this is already done on the initiative of teachers and, in view of that fact, will he not consider getting some degree of uniformity by bringing the schools where it is not done into line with those in which the practice is adopted?
When this matter was put before me originally in November last I gave mature consideration to it and I think the most satisfactory kind of uniformity that there ought to be in this case is that the managers should use their own discretion in the matter.
I understand that the Minister was apprehensive that familiarity might breed contempt and, in view of the fact that the Proclamation has been displayed in very many city schools and that teachers have found it of assistance to them in building up a national spirit in the children under their control, will the Minister not reconsider his attitude in the matter?
What the Deputy says suggests that, from his point of view, so far the policy I am pursuing in this matter is progressing favourably. I would assure the Deputy that I gave this matter very full and mature consideration and it is not my intention to make any general suggestion to the managers in the matter.