Irish councillor criticises government-funded PSA urging grandparents to ask permission before hugging

We-Consent, a national consent-education initiative run by the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre and supported by the Department of Justice and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, released a 25-second public service announcement stating that not everyone wants a hug, even from family members. The video shows one child happily embracing grandparents while another looks uncomfortable as they approach. Councillor Gavin Pepper responded on social media, condemning both the government and NGOs for losing perspective and insisting that the grandparent-grandchild relationship remains a vital Irish tradition that should not be cast as suspicious.

He called for a balanced approach that teaches boundaries without vilifying affectionate family interactions. Councillor Lorraine Hall countered, saying the ad was meant as a figurative message about consent and that its creative intent was being misread. The PSA has gone viral, drawing mixed reactions online, but the organisations behind it have not commented further.