Sinn Féin spokesperson for Rural Affairs, Community Development and the Gaeltacht, and Waterford representative Conor McGuinness TD, has slammed the failure to include Amhrán na bhFiann anywhere in the national curriculum, describing it as “shameful, outrageous, and a clear sign of how little respect this Government has for Ireland’s republican heritage.”

In response to a Parliamentary Question from the Sinn Fein TD, the Minister for Education Helen McEntee TD admitted that the national anthem is not part of the national curriculum at either primary or secondary level.

Teachta McGuinness said: “This response is a disgrace. 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. And the Minister’s reply says it all. Her statement is littered with phrases like ‘schools could choose to teach’ it, or that teachers ‘may wish to include’ it, or students ‘could engage with this style of composing’. In other words – maybe they will, maybe they won’t. That’s the government’s approach to the national anthem in 2025.”

“This is part of a much wider pattern. The same government deleted references to the 1916 leaders from Sinn Féin Dáil motion last and won’t rule out turning the GPO – the very site where the Republic was proclaimed – into retail and office space. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are actively undermining Ireland’s republican heritage. Their disregard for the anthem, the GPO, and the ideals of 1916 is no accident. It’s a deliberate political choice. 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.”

In response, the Department of Education acknowledged that the current primary school curriculum for history does not “specifically mention the national anthem”.

However, it said frameworks provide “clear pathways” for schools to include Amhrán na bhFiann as part of “broader learning about Irish history and identity”.

It said it is a matter for each school to decide to teach the song as part of its programmes.

“The Department recognises the importance of national symbols, including Amhrán na bhFiann, as valuable educational tools for fostering civic pride and historical awareness,” it said.

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