Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am not trying to influence the committee, but I think we should start with guidelines.

It is only in the past few years that people have started to respect the national flag. During the years in council elections, for example, we have seen the national flag being thrown around the place or draped around people. That has come to an end. The Minister, Deputy Heather Humphreys, should be given credit for bringing back respect for the national flag and how it should be treated. However, it is easily forgotten. Look at all of the flags in tatters on flagpoles. Many were raised to commemorate the centenary of the 1916 Rising but are now in bits. We are discussing having respect for the national anthem, yet we do not respect the national flag. I have seen flags on departmental buildings in tatters. It does not happen in Leinster House. The military police who raise the national flag every morning and take it down keep it in impeccable condition. However, some Departments do not respect the national flag. We must start small and work big.

The national anthem should not be just the responsibility of the Department of Education and Skills in being part of the curriculum. It should also be taught in soccer, GAA and rugby clubs, as well as in all other sports organisations. Former Senator Eamonn Coghlan talks about the pride he felt when the Tricolour was raised when he won the world championship in Helsinki 1983. That is the pride we should have in our emblems and national anthem. However, I do not believe it should be confined to the curriculum, it should be taught across the board.