Minister for Health and Education have been asked to Account for Sexually Explicit Book Being Included on Children’s Reading List

Aontú leader and Meath West TD Peadar Tóibín has questioned both the Minister for Health and the Minister for Education as to who is responsible for including a book titled “This Book is Gay” on the HSE developed “Relationships and Sexuality Education 1” reading list for children as young as 12 years old. The book which provides detailed advice on anal sex, oral sex, sexual positions, sexting and using “sex apps” for casual sex was included as a reading material for 12-15 year olds on the Junior Cycle. An Teachta Tóibín stated:

“We hear today that after considerable campaigning by parents that the book is to withdrawn from the Junior Cycle Reading list. This is a victory for parents and children. But he question is how a book detailing explicit adult sexual material made it onto a children’s reading list in the first place. How after it was brought to the Department’s attention was it allowed to stay on that list for so long”.

“Its incomprehensible that any adult in the charge of the welfare of children would make this book available to children. That’s the state would do it is incredible. The sexualization of young children is absolutely wrong. This not an isolated incident. The government seem to be involved in a culture war in education against the will of parents at the moment. The government need to stop and listen to parents. Parents are by far the best judge of whats appropriate for their children. The Tánaiste recently condemned Home Schooling at a time when government policy is driving more and more parents into Home Schooling”.

“There must be accountability. Who made these decisions, why and what will be the consequences? Parents needs to restore parental confidence in the education system”.

CRÍOCH

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.