Latest news with #SinnFéin
RTÉ News
37 minutes ago
- Politics
- RTÉ News
Call for mandatory teaching of national anthem
A Sinn Féin TD has called for the national anthem to be included on the school curriculum. Conor D McGuinness said it was "shameful" and "outrageous" that it is not mandatory to teach Amhrán na bhFiann in primary or secondary schools. He said it is a "clear sign of how little respect this Government has for Ireland's republican heritage". In a statement, Deputy McGuinness said the national anthem is taught in many schools "because teachers choose to include it". "It is not guaranteed," he said. He added that Amhrán na bhFiann is a "basic expression of national identity and civic belonging". Not on primary school history 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 said schools can choose to teach the song as part of some strand units. There are also opportunities for teachers to include the song in history, Irish and music classes at post-primary level. "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.
The Journal
2 hours ago
- Business
- The Journal
Taoiseach grilled in Dáil on back to school cost crunch
MARY LOU MCDONALD accused the government of throwing struggling families 'under the bus' in October's budget, as a survey found one in three families are getting into debt to fund back to school costs. The Sinn Féin leader said the Taoiseach 'couldn't care less' about the cost pressures on families. Taoiseach Micheál Martin said McDonald was 'oblivious' to the economic climate. The Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) research found that the number of families taking out loans to cover back-to-school costs has tripled to 12%. Advertisement The average amount of debt in 2025 is €376 compared to one in four parents in 2024, taking on an average of €368 of debt. The total back to school spend in 2025 is €1,450 for primary school parents and €1,560 for secondary school parents. This is an increase for primary school parents of €364 compared to 2024, and €159 for secondary school parents. After school-care is the top expense for primary school at €197. Over a third of parents say that they are forced to deny their children at least one back to school item. The research also found that 64% believe that back to school costs are a financial burden, while 78% of schools also ask for a 'voluntary' contribution. The Sinn Féin leader read out in the Dáil the experiences of four people struggling with the cost of living, saying the cost of a weekly shop has gone up. She said the 'kick in the teeth for people is that you flatly tell them that you're not going to help', after the Government said there will be no one-off measures in October's budget. She acknowledged the economic uncertainty caused by Donald Trump's threat of a 30% tariff on EU goods, but said working class families and young people would be 'the real casualty' in that scenario. 'Why? Because they have a Government that cares more about the high rollers, the big bankers, your squadrons of junior and super junior ministers, than you do about struggling households,' she told the Dail during Leaders' Questions on Wednesday. Martin said he would 'test' any budget measures put forward by Sinn Fein, accusing the party of offering to spend billions on whichever issue crops up. The Taoiseach said the Government understands there has been pressure on households since the end of the pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He said cost-of-living packages were announced in subsequent budgets as a result, but this year offered a different economic scenario, which he accused McDonald of being 'oblivious' to. 'I heard your spokesman talking about universal benefits for the high rollers. That's what your spokesman Pearse Doherty said this morning. He wants universal energy credits for the high incomes, for the high rollers. I will test you and your commitment and your principles,' he said. 'Will you agree to targeting? Will you agree to prioritising those in respect of child poverty in the forthcoming budget? Because we will target, and we will prioritise those most in need,' he added. He said permanent measures such as the 'gamechanger' free books scheme and hot school meals programme have also been implemented. Martin added that Ireland's 1.8% rate of inflation is the third lowest in the EU and is 'mid-table' in relation to food prices. He said investment in the public's future through spending on infrastructure is 'important'. 'For the first time ever now, we're back to pre-famine population on the island of Ireland, that's a positive, but we've got to provide for that in terms of our water infrastructure, in terms of housing, energy infrastructure, public transport and roads. But there are limits to what any government can do, and you're the opposition with no limits in terms of what you will spend', he said. 'It doesn't matter, whatever turns up on any day, you will spend a billion or two billion on it, that's your philosophy and that's your mindset.' Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education and Youth, Darren O'Rourke TD, said the survey highlights the urgent need for the government to introduce a cost-of-living package for hard-pressed families. 'This survey undertaken by the ILCU found that one in three families will be forced into debt to send their children back to school this Autumn. This is shocking and shows the stark reality of the cost-of-living crisis,' he said. 'Government must increase investment in our school system to match increasing costs in insurance, energy, electricity and elsewhere, and they should enact Sinn Féin's Voluntary Contributions Bill to regulate this practice,' he said. O'Rourke urged the government to acknowledge the cost-of-living crisis and to respond to it with a cost-of-living package, adding that free school books and hot school meals do not go far enough to protect families from the increasing costs of education. Additional reporting by PA. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Independent
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
United Ireland coming ‘very soon', says Catherine Connolly as she launches Presidency campaign with bid to woo Sinn Féin
The Independent Galway TD has promised not to take her full salary as she launched her campaign as a Left candidate Catherine Connolly has launched her Independent campaign for the Presidency, promising not to take her full salary - but looking forward to a United Ireland "very soon". Ms Connolly defended a trip to Syria with Mick Wallace, Clare Daly and Maureen O'Sullivan when dictator Bashir al-Assad was in power, and said she was "right at the time" when she previously backed controversial journalist Gemma O'Doherty for a Presidential run. The Galway West Independent rejected the idea that she was the "continuity candidate" after 14 years of Michael D Higgins, for whom she wanted to be a running mate. She left the Labour Party when that bid was rejected, saying it had lost its soul – but refused to answer questions about taking its money for her campaign, which she believes will cost between €500,000 and €1 million. Ms Connolly, a former leas cheann comhairle, became emotional when she recalled seeing Catholic refugees from Northern Ireland arrive in Galway in the late summer of 1969. 'I think Northern Ireland is extremely important. I think we're going to have united Ireland very soon," Ms Connolly said in response to a suggestion from the Irish Independent that she had been described as a republican socialist. "I think the Good Friday Agreement has set the framework for that," she said, adding that she would welcome the backing of Sinn Féin. "I think tremendous work has been done on the ground with cross-border bodies, and I look forward to the day when we have a united Ireland," Ms Connolly said. But she added: "I absolutely value the diversity, and we must value the different backgrounds in Northern Ireland." Asked whether there was any difference between her position and that of Sinn Féin, she said: "I can tell you my position. You're left to kind to compare and contrast that, which will fail. "But I grew up in Galway and witnessed the refugees coming to Galway. I was young at the time, and they came down, and they were put up in various colleges – and I witnessed their terror, their upset, and their utter desire for peace,' she said. ADVERTISEMENT So far the only other confirmed candidate is former MEP Mairéad McGuinness, who will run for Fine Gael. Neither Fianna Fáil nor Sinn Féin have decided whether they will run a candidate, while Labour is currently deciding whether to back Ms Connolly after she met the party earlier this week. Ms Connolly said she was "fully ready now for the campaign", adding: "We don't have a huge, big machine, and I think we have conviction." So far backed by Independents and the Social Democrats, she said: "We believe in what we're doing, and I think we are happy to put forward that vision." Social Democratic support had "come from the ground up, and I understand it's similar with People Before Profit", Ms Connolly said. She said she was going to discuss the Presidential salary with her team – "There are lots of decisions to make here about the campaign and how I use the salary is one of those.' "All I can say at this point is I have stood as a woman who speaks bluntly and who speaks as honestly as I can." She was asked about the war in Ukraine, and said the Russian invasion was "wrong, illegal and unacceptable", adding "we need to find a voice for diplomacy. We need to get peace." She added, however: "I think could have been prevented beforehand. What they've done is utterly wrong. It's just inexcusable. But I think we could have worked before that in terms of diplomacy." She said her clapping for a live video address by Volodomyr Zelensky to the Dáil had been scrutinised, and how long it had lasted. "I stood and I clapped, and the level of interest from certain quarters in the media was that I didn't clap long enough and I didn't clap hard enough," she said. "I was nauseous at the war. I would have stood in silence." She refused to comment on rival contender Ms McGuinness, except to say: "My views on the Fine Gael party are well-known.' Standing outside Leinster House, Ms Connolly added: "I'm going to be presenting myself as a credible candidate for the Presidency with my views, with my track record, and my work ethic. "That's what I will be presenting before the people, and I would hope the people would respond to that."
Irish Examiner
7 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Micheál Martin and Mary Lou McDonald clash over inflation pressures on families
Micheál Martin and Mary Lou McDonald have clashed in the Dáil over inflationary pressures on families. Ms McDonald accused the Government of preparing to throw families 'under the bus' in the upcoming budget, while Mr Martin said the Sinn Féin leader was 'oblivious' to the economic climate. The Taoiseach said he would 'test' Sinn Féin's spending pledges, while Ms McDonald said he 'couldn't care less' about the cost pressures on families. The Sinn Féin leader read out in the Dáil the experiences of four people struggling with the cost of living, saying the cost of a weekly shop has gone up. She said the 'kick in the teeth for people is that you flatly tell them that you're not going to help', after the Government said there will be no one-off measures in October's budget. She acknowledged the economic uncertainty caused by Donald Trump's threat of a 30% tariff on EU goods, but said working class families and young people would be 'the real casualty' in that scenario. 'Why? Because they have a Government that cares more about the high rollers, the big bankers, your squadrons of junior and super junior ministers, than you do about struggling households,' she told the Dáil during Leaders' Questions on Wednesday. Mr Martin said he would 'test' any budget measures put forward by Sinn Féin, accusing the party of offering to spend billions on whichever issue crops up. The Taoiseach said the Government understands there has been pressure on households since the end of the pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He said cost-of-living packages were announced in subsequent budgets as a result, but this year offered a different economic scenario, which he accused Ms McDonald of being 'oblivious' to. 'I heard your spokesman talking about universal benefits for the high rollers. That's what your spokesman Pearse Doherty said this morning. 'He wants universal energy credits for the high incomes, for the high rollers. I will test you and your commitment and your principles. 'Will you agree to targeting? Will you agree to prioritising those in respect of child poverty in the forthcoming budget? Because we will target and we will prioritise those most in need.' He said permanent measures such as the 'gamechanger' free books scheme and hot school meals programme have also been implemented. Mr Martin added that Ireland's 1.8% rate of inflation is the third lowest in the EU and is 'mid-table' in relation to food prices. He said investment in the public's future through spending on infrastructure is 'important'. 'For the first time ever now, we're back to pre-famine population on the island of Ireland, that's a positive, but we've got to provide for that in terms of our water infrastructure, in terms of housing, energy infrastructure, public transport and roads. 'But there are limits to what any government can do, and you're the opposition with no limits in terms of what you will spend. 'It doesn't matter, whatever turns up on any day, you will spend a billion or two billion on it, that's your philosophy and that's your mindset.' Read More MABS sees 10% surge in families in debt due to soaring cost of living
Irish Independent
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
United Ireland ‘very soon' says Catherine Connolly as she launches Presidency campaign with bid to woo Sinn Féin
Ms Connolly defended a trip to Syria with Mick Wallace, Clare Daly and Maureen O'Sullivan when dictator Bashir al-Assad was in power, and said she was "right at the time" when she previously backed journalist Gemma O'Doherty for a Presidential run. The Galway West Independent rejected the idea that she was the "continuity candidate" after 14 years of Michael D Higgins, for whom she wanted to be a running mate. She left the Labour Party when that bid was rejected, saying it had lost its soul - but refused to answer questions about taking its money for her campaign, which she believes will cost between €500,000 and €1 million. Ms Connolly, a former leas cheann comhairle, became emotional when she recalled seeing Catholic refugees from Northern Ireland arrive in Galway in the late summer of 1969. 'I think Northern Ireland is extremely important. I think we're going to have united Ireland very soon," Ms Connolly said in response to a suggestion from the Irish Independent that she had been described as a republican socialist. "I think the Good Friday Agreement has set the framework for that," she said, adding that she would welcome the backing of Sinn Féin. "I think tremendous work has been done on the ground with cross-border bodies, and I look forward to the day when we have a united Ireland," Ms Connolly said. But she added: "I absolutely value the diversity, and we must value the different backgrounds in Northern Ireland." Asked if there was any difference between her position and that of Sinn Féin, she said: "I can tell you my position. You're left to kind to compare and contrast that, which will fail. "But I grew up in Galway and witnessed the refugees coming to Galway. I was young at the time, and they came down, and they were put up in various colleges - and I witnessed their terror, their upset, and their utter desire for peace,' she said. So far the only other confirmed candidate is former MEP Mairéad McGuinness, who will run for Fine Gael. Neither Fianna Fáil nor Sinn Féin have decided whether they will run a candidate, while Labour is currently deciding whether to back Ms Connolly after she met them earlier this week. Ms Connolly said she was "fully ready now for the campaign", adding: "We don't have a huge, big machine, and I think we have conviction". So far backed by Independents and the Social Democrats, she added: "We believe in what we're doing, and I think we are happy to put forward that vision." Social Democratic support had "come from the ground up, and I understand it's similar with People Before Profit", Ms Connolly said. She said she was going to discuss the Presidential salary with her team. "There are lots of decisions to make here about the campaign and how I use the salary is one of those,' she said. "A I can say at this point is I have stood as a woman who speaks bluntly and who speaks as honestly as I can." She was asked about the war in Ukraine, and said the Russian invasion was "wrong, illegal and unacceptable", adding "we need to find a voice for diplomacy. We need to get peace." She added, however: "I think could have been prevented beforehand. What they've done is utterly wrong. It's just inexcusable. But I think we could have worked before that in terms of diplomacy." She said her clapping for a live video address by Volodomyr Zelensky to the Dáil had been scrutinised, and how long it had lasted. "I stood and I clapped, and the level of interest from certain quarters in the media was that I didn't clap long enough and I didn't clap hard enough," she said. "I was nauseous at the war. I would have stood in silence." She refused to comment on rival contender Ms McGuinness, except to say: "My views on the Fine Gael party are well-known.' Standing outside Leinster House, Ms Connolly added: "I'm going to be presenting myself as a credible candidate for the Presidency with my views, with my track record, and my work ethic. "That's what I will be presenting before the people, and I would hope the people would respond to that."
