Children’s Minister Norma Foley said this week that she was unfamiliar with the controversial book ‘What’s The T?’, 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.
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 “sexually explicit” books to minors, drawing Foley’s attention directly to “What’s The T?” and other titles featured in LGBT reading resources promoted by Children’s Books Ireland.
The teacher described the issue as a matter requiring immediate action.
“This is extremely serious,” the teacher wrote.
“There are very sexually explicit books deliberately put in the children’s sections in libraries (12 to 18 year olds).”
The email included excerpts and images of pages from “What’s The T?” alongside concerns about reading lists being promoted to young people through libraries and educational resources.
The teacher argued that responsibility for the availability of such books was unclear.
“Someone needs to take responsibility here,” the email stated.
“It 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.”
The teacher also highlighted a reading guide published by Children’s Books Ireland, urging Foley to intervene directly.
“You cannot stand by and allow this continue,” the email said.
“You must do all in your power to stop this now.”
The email concluded with a request for an urgent response.
“I expect you to treat this with urgency and to reply to me very soon.”
The correspondence stands in contrast to comments made by Foley at a viral press conference on Wednesday, when she was asked about ‘What’s The T?’ following controversy surrounding its inclusion on a Pride Month children’s reading list promoted by state broadcaster RTÉ.
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.
The exchange came after Gript had emailed both Foley’s office and the Department of Children press office several hours earlier, specifically informing them that questions would be asked about ‘What’s The T?’
Gript asked Minister Foley’s office about receipt of the teacher’s email, and whether this was the only time the Minister was informed of the book previously.
A Department of Children spokesperson replied: “As 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’s Books Ireland.”
The book, written by transgender author Juno Dawson, appears on a “Read with Pride” reading list compiled by Children’s Books Ireland and promoted by RTÉ on Monday to mark Pride Month.
The list describes ‘What’s The T?’ 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.
Children’s Books Ireland is a taxpayer-funded NGO which receives funding from the Arts Council, a State agency.
Shortly before midnight on Wednesday night, after footage of Foley’s comments had been broadcast, RTÉ quietly updated its online article and removed the link to the full reading list, later issuing a statement that they did so for “age appropriateness” reasons.
RTÉ remove Pride book link over “age appropriateness” concerns
The “Read with Pride” list contains a range of fiction and non-fiction titles dealing with LGBT themes and identities. ‘What’s The T?’ remains among the books recommended on the list for underage readers.
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment previously hosted a related reading resource, though that resource was later removed following significant numbers of complaints from parents.