Library reading list age checks
Deputy O'Flynn asked who signs off on LGBTI+ reading materials in libraries and what safeguards exist for age-appropriateness. The Tánaiste said he did not know the answer but would seek information and ask the responsible Ministers to reply directly.
Action 1.7 of the LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy 2019-2021 contains a commitment to taking into account LGBTI+ needs in public libraries and compiling and updating a reading list under the Healthy Ireland at Your Library initiative. That includes reading materials recommended for children as young as 12. Will the Tánaiste indicate who exactly reviews the reading list and the age-appropriateness of the material on it before it goes to libraries, which are serving children as young as 12? What Minister, Department or agency signs off on the list? What mechanisms are available to allow parents who find explicit sexual content on the shelves marked for 12-year-olds to have that material reviewed or removed? As the Tánaiste is aware, Children's Books Ireland has already had to pull at least one title from its Pride reading guide after concerns were raised, yet the book remains on library shelves and is still linked to the HSE's parental materials. Does the Tánaiste agree that parents deserve an answer as to who is responsible and what mechanism is available to them?
Comment on this
I truthfully do not know the answer, so I will not pretend I do. However, I will endeavour to find information and ask the relevant Minister to respond to the Deputy. All information and books should always be age appropriate. I think that is something we all believe is important in both our libraries and education system. I will ask the Minister of State with responsibility for our libraries, Deputy Buttimer, and the Minister, Deputy Calleary, to come back to Deputy O'Flynn directly.