The Proclamation of the Irish Republic was at the heart of the 1916 Easter Rising. Here the Provisional Government of the Irish Republic addressed the people of Ireland and asked for them to strike for freedom.
The Proclamation, which was signed by Thomas J. Clarke, Sean MacDiarmada, Thomas MacDonagh, P.H. Pearse, Eamonn Ceannt, James Connolly and Joseph Plunkett, asked for basic rights, religious and civil liberty, equal opportunities and for all children to be cherished equally. It was plastered all over Dublin on Easter Monday, 24th April 1916, and was read out by Padraig Pearse on the steps of the GPO.
One hundred years later, as part of the 2016 Centenary Programme, schools all over the Republic of Ireland were invited by the Department of Education and Skills to write their own version of the Proclamation that is relevant to them now – The Proclamation for a New Generation.
Some are new, some follow on from the original Proclamation, but all want a better country for its citizens and the rest of the world:
1. Tackle our homeless problem once and for all
Homelessness is not just people lying in the streets begging for money, several families are living in cars because rents have sky-rocketed - something needs to be done about it.
2. Play our part in preventing Global Warming
The Republic of Ireland needs to help stop the expansion of Global Warming before it’s too late.
3. For the people of the Republic to live a harmonious life
"This is what we want for them. We can’t imagine it any other way."
4. For the Republic of Ireland to prioritise equality and peace
For everyone to have religious and civil liberty, equal rights and equal opportunities – exactly what the Proclamation asked for back in 1916.
5. To accept differences, embrace diversity and respect all citizens
Everyone should have access to shelter, food, water, healthcare, education, employment, safety and services.
6. For our country to be free from violence and war
And that we continue to remain the peacekeeping country that we are.
7. To preserve our culture
We should hold on to the traditions that make us Irish – language, music, sport, dance and literature – and promote our national heritage for future generations to enjoy.
8. To create links with the diaspora
So no matter how far away you live people will always feel connected to their hometown.
9. For our leaders to be honest, courageous and caring
We need a Government that will be strong in its decision-making.
10. Continue being a great country
“If we work together we can succeed in making Ireland a better place, honour our flag and continue being a great little country.”
New Proclamations from the local schools have taken over Luas shelters at Ballyogan, Bluebell, Dundrum and Windy Arbour Stops. These shelter displays will be there for everyone in the community to see and read until Tuesday, 29th March 2016.
Gaelscoil Shliabh Rua in Ballyogan, Our Lady of the Wayside N.S. in Bluebell, Holy Cross School in Dundrum and Our Lady’s Clonskeagh Parish N.S. were involved in the campaign. For more information and to see all four Proclamations in full, click here.
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