In brief
The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s ‘We-Consent’ campaign launched a video aimed at teaching consent, but the clip, featuring grandparents enthusiastically hugging a boy, sparked backlash. Minister for Justice Adam Mandeville called the ad “inappropriate and demeaning to grandparents,” leading to its swift removal. Fianna Fáil’s Jim O'Callaghan noted it did not represent the government’s views, while Fine Gael Senator Gareth Scahill criticised the use of public funds for the piece. DRCC stated the videos would be reviewed as part of a broader effort to reinforce consent education. The controversy highlights tensions between innovative public‑health messaging and cultural sensitivities.
Irish Justice Minister Adam Mandeville blasted a recently released video from the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) as “inappropriate and demeaning to grandparents,” calling for its removal. The clip, part of the DRCC’s ‘We-Consent’ campaign, shows two grandparents enthusiastically hugging a young boy, only to depict the granddaughter looking unhappy with the gesture.
“The video conveys that even loved ones can breach personal boundaries,” Mandeville said. “While the theme of consent is critical, this ad misses the mark and can be counter‑productive.”
The DRCC has since taken down the clip after engaging with the minister’s office. In a statement to RTÉ, the crisis centre noted the ‘We-Consent’ programme is a long‑term initiative to raise awareness about consent from a young age, with the original videos produced by volunteers at minimal cost.
Fianna Fáil politician Jim O’Callaghan, whose department co‑finances the campaign, said the video does not reflect the Government’s stance. “It was both inappropriate and demeaning to grandparents and has been removed by DRCC following my officials engagement with them,” he said.
Fine Gael Senator Gareth Scahill echoed the criticism, labeling the clip a waste of public funds and highlighting potential backlash against older generations. “This publicly funded social media video is a million miles off the mark,” he warned.
The DRCC, alongside the Department of Justice and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, has promised to review the messaging. The videos will be removed from all social media platforms pending the review, the rescue centre confirmed.
