Library Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 April 2023

Tuesday, 25 April 2023

Ceisteanna (654)

Gino Kenny

Ceist:

654. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he is aware that the Local Government Management Agency recently changed library borrowing rules for children and young people borrowing age appropriate books, so that they now require signed consent from a parent to move up an age group for example, to the 12-14 age category when they have reached 12 years of age, and that this change appears to be in response to pressure from anti-LGBTQ+ hate groups; if he will reverse this decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19399/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

The rules for children and young people borrowing age appropriate books from public libraries are primarily a matter for local authorities, in their capacity as library authorities under the Local Government Act 2001. However, I am advised that it has always been the case that parental consent is required for library membership for under 18s. The new library management IT system, which is used by all library authorities, includes functionality to reaffirm consent in line with age categories.

I am further advised that the introduction of the new Library IT system has been in process since March 2022 and bears no relationship to the recent campaign against age appropriate LGBTQ+ reading material being made available by local authorities in public libraries.