Children\u2019s Minister Norma Foley said this week that she was unfamiliar with the controversial book \u2018What\u2019s The T?\u2019, despite receiving an email in 2023 which specifically referenced the book, included excerpts from it, and attached images of pages that a teacher described as unsuitable for children.<\/p>\n
In an email seen by Gript and sent on March 2nd 2023, a teacher and parent, who asked to remain anonymous, urged the then-Education Minister to intervene over the availability of what they described as \u201csexually explicit\u201d books to minors, drawing Foley\u2019s attention directly to \u201cWhat\u2019s The T?\u201d and other titles featured in LGBT reading resources promoted by Children\u2019s Books Ireland.<\/p>\n
The teacher described the issue as a matter requiring immediate action.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is extremely serious,\u201d the teacher wrote.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are very sexually explicit books deliberately put in the children\u2019s sections in libraries (12 to 18 year olds).\u201d<\/p>\n
The email included excerpts and images of pages from \u201cWhat\u2019s The T?\u201d alongside concerns about reading lists being promoted to young people through libraries and educational resources.<\/p>\n
The teacher argued that responsibility for the availability of such books was unclear.<\/p>\n
\u201cSomeone needs to take responsibility here,\u201d the email stated.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is as plain as day that these books are totally unsuitable for children, yet the person whose in charge of what books go on the shelves takes no responsibility.\u201d<\/p>\n
The teacher also highlighted a reading guide published by Children\u2019s Books Ireland, urging Foley to intervene directly.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou cannot stand by and allow this continue,\u201d the email said.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou must do all in your power to stop this now.\u201d<\/p>\n
The email concluded with a request for an urgent response.<\/p>\n
\u201cI expect you to treat this with urgency and to reply to me very soon.\u201d<\/p>\n
The correspondence stands in contrast to comments made by Foley at a viral press conference on Wednesday, when she was asked about \u2018What\u2019s The T?\u2019 following controversy surrounding its inclusion on a Pride Month children\u2019s reading list promoted by state broadcaster RT\u00c9.<\/p>\n
Asked whether she thought the text was appropriate, Foley indicated that she was not aware of the book. Under repeated questioning, she declined to condemn the book and instead emphasised that parents should be involved in deciding what material is age-appropriate for their children.<\/p>\n
The exchange came after Gript had emailed both Foley\u2019s office and the Department of Children press office several hours earlier, specifically informing them that questions would be asked about \u2018What\u2019s The T?\u2019<\/p>\n
Gript asked Minister Foley\u2019s office about receipt of the teacher\u2019s email, and whether this was the only time the Minister was informed of the book previously.<\/p>\n
A Department of Children spokesperson replied: \u201cAs previously 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\u2019s Books Ireland.\u201d<\/p>\n
The book, written by transgender author Juno Dawson, appears on a \u201cRead with Pride\u201d reading list compiled by Children\u2019s Books Ireland and promoted by RT\u00c9 on Monday to mark Pride Month.<\/p>\n
The list describes \u2018What\u2019s The T?\u2019 as suitable for readers as young as 15. The book contains discussions of topics including anal sex, the use of lubricants, sex toys, foot fetishes and other sexual content.<\/p>\n
Children\u2019s Books Ireland is a taxpayer-funded NGO which receives funding from the Arts Council, a State agency.<\/p>\n
Shortly before midnight on Wednesday night, after footage of Foley\u2019s comments had been broadcast, RT\u00c9 quietly updated its online article and removed the link to the full reading list, later issuing a statement that they did so for \u201cage appropriateness\u201d reasons.<\/p>\n