Irish Advert Promoting Consent Removal After Fury
Source reports published 23 Oct 2026, 7:48 am – 24 Oct 2026, 7:20 am AEST
An advertisement urging grandparents to seek consent before hugging grandchildren was removed from the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s website following criticism from Irish politicians and public concern. The Department of Justice bankrolled the project and subsequently removed the video.
What happened
- The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) released an advertisement as part of its ‘We-Consent’ campaign.
- The video depicted a scenario where a grandparent attempts to hug a grandchild, with the narrator stating, "Not everyone wants a hug, even from the people who love them. Maybe. Absolutely."
- Following the release, the advertisement was removed from the DRCC’s website.
- Irish Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan stated the video was "inappropriate and demeaning to grandparents" and "does not represent the views of the Government."
- Senator Gareth Scahill described the video as a "waste of public funds."
- The DRCC explained the advertisement was created to promote awareness of consent and that it would review the video.
- Gavin Pepper, an independent councillor, expressed concern about the impact on family relationships.
- The Department of Justice confirmed the removal of the video and stated the DRCC intends to review it.
- The DRCC said the video was based on the idea of respecting boundaries and would remove it from social media while reflecting on its effectiveness.