Neale Richmond (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes, the Greenshirts and not the Blueshirts. I went one further. The love and interest in the subject of history gave me a greater sense of my community and greater interest in politics. It is probably one of the main reasons I joined a political party. I was not active in a party until halfway through my degree. None of my family had any ties to any political party. They voted for almost all of them, with a couple of exceptions in the Chamber.They took a fairly strong interest, most importantly in their area. It was through that interest and my study of history that I felt a deeper connection with my local community, country and the world at large. It gave me crucial analytical skills. Studying society and right and wrong shows us that society goes much further than what is in front of our faces and what belongs to us. It is vital, therefore, that we recognise, as stated in the motion, the important role the subject of history plays in second level education and in creating early exposure to civic society and everything in it.

I concur with Senator Gavan that the motion should go a little further. Perhaps the Minister will consider that view given that it comes from this side of the House. History and geography should be mandatory subjects in the junior certificate examination. Not only must they continue to be mandatory subjects but they should also be expanded. I look forward to the civics and politics subject that will be added to the curriculum at leaving certificate level. Much more needs to be done in this regard and more support must be provided for non-curriculum programmes such as the Blue Star programme run by the European Movement Ireland which is currently available only in primary schools. This programme, which encourages interest in and knowledge of the European project, takes a critical position and is not propaganda. It teaches the history of Europe and the European institutions, the geography of Europe and how democracy functions in Europe. Perhaps it could be introduced as a pilot scheme in transition year, where applicable.

I will conclude as I am aware that many other Senators wish to speak. This is one of the rare occasions on which everyone in the Chamber is in broad agreement. I look forward to the motion receiving wide support. I hope the comments made by Senators and the deep and sincere conviction expressed by Senator Conway and his co-signatories in the motion is taken on board, not only by the Minister but also by his officials who play a vital role in this regard. I welcome the opportunity to speak to the motion and commend it to the House.