Scahill brands grandparents hugging consent video as 'offensive' and 'a waste of resources'
The advert at the centre of the controversy
A social media video produced by a number of agencies to highlight the important issue of consent has been described as "poorly thought out" and "offensive to our older population" by a Fine Gael Senator.
Senator Gareth Scahill said the we-consent campaign ad, which has generated huge controversy in recent days and which has now been pulled, was a "complete waste of resources."
“What’s concerning here is public money has been used to fund an ad which at best has been ill-thought out, and at worst is offensive and potentially damaging to our older population," said Senator Scahill.
“The issue of consent is a very serious one and I acknowledge the important work the Rape Crisis Centre and other agencies do every day to advocate for all victims of rape and sexual violence, including children.
“And the overall we-consent three-year campaign to inform and engage with all about consent is a good initiative.
“But this publicly funded social media video is a million miles off the mark.
“The depiction of grandparents leaning in to kiss or hug their grandchild appears in a distorted image, giving a distinct impression of threat. The tagline is: ‘Not everyone wants a hug. Even from the people who love them’.
"The only unsolicited advance here is yet another unwelcome and unasked for incursion into normal people’s lives.
“What’s next? Will we need to sign consent forms at arrival halls in Dublin, Shannon, Knock and Cork airports this Christmas before we can greet family members," asked Senator Scahill.
“There are people all across this country who would give anything to have one last hug with those who have passed.
“Also, what was spent on this ad? It might be a small amount but if we want to be serious about holding public money to account, let’s do it all levels.
“We have a history in this country of silencing the voices of children and that can never be tolerated again.
“Therefore, I understand the genesis of the sentiment behind this ad; children must be allowed to express their feelings and to feel comfortable to share them with trusted figures in their lives.
“But we must also be careful that we don’t break down the strong bonds that exist in families and underpin our society," he warned.
“Many grandparents are the bedrock of modern families, many provide childcare for parents and great support in the day-to-day cut and thrust of family life.
“Agencies in receipt of state funding have a responsibility to use that funding wisely and not carelessly.
“There is an important message to be conveyed here to empower all our young people, but this video failed to hit the mark. These agencies must learn from this and do better next time," concluded Senator Scahill.
