RTÉ has removed a link to a site promoting explicit content from its ‘pride month’ KIDS Book Club webpage.
The broadcaster had signposted readers to Children’s Books Ireland’s ‘Read with Pride 2026 reading guide’. The guide features the controversial book ‘What’s the T?’, marketed to children over 15, which contains content about sex acts.
In March, Children’s Minister Norma Foley announced funding of €1.5 million to promote the visibility and inclusion of “LGBTIQ+ people in Ireland” as part of the National LGBTIQ+ Inclusion Strategy II 2024-2028.
Adult content
RTÉ claims that its KIDS Book Club aims to bring a “true reflection of our modern world featuring stories of characters that represent a variety of sexualities and genders”.
However, it said it had removed the link to the Children’s Books Ireland’s Pride reading guide to ensure “the age appropriateness of resources for the RTÉ KIDS audience profile of up to 12 years old”.
Peadar Tóibín TD stated: “Children’s Book Ireland should be brought before the Dáil Committee and explain why they are recommending books with adult sexual content to children.”
‘Totally unsuitable’
A spokesperson from the Department of Children stated: “Minister Foley does not know the book in question and is not familiar with it. Minister Foley has said that it is a matter for parents of children and young people aged under 18 to decide themselves on what books are suitable for their children. Any further queries on this matter can be directed to Children’s Books Ireland.”
Speaking to Gript, one parent said they had emailed Foley in 2023 about explicit books targeted at children in Ireland, including ‘What’s the T?’. The concerned parent commented: “It is as plain as day that these books are totally unsuitable for children, yet the person who’s in charge of what books go on the shelves takes no responsibility.”
Another parent observed on social media: “I have pointed out to this Minister on a number of occasions that no parent ever consented to involving our children in the National LGBTIQ+ Inclusion Strategy”.
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