Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In recent weeks and months and we have seen an increasing number of events outside, and unfortunately inside, libraries involving intimidatory behaviour towards library staff and the general public in an attempt to remove, to deface or outright remove without permission certain library books for children. I am sure the Minister will agree with me that a library is a place of learning, information and study and is certainly no place for extreme politics of any kind. What assurances can he give me that the Government can provide certainty with regard to library staff, the general public and most importantly children that individuals will be kept outside the premises? One such incident happened in Swords in my constituency a couple of weeks ago. If these individuals are flagging these events online well in advance, they should be removed from libraries, forcibly if required, to ensure the safety and welfare of library users and staff is not put in jeopardy.

See this speech in context