I move the First Reading of a Bill, the short title of which is: "Censorship of Films Bill, 1923." It might need some explanation as to why under existing conditions, we propose to proceed with this piece of legislation. Some two months ago a thoroughly representative deputation waited on me, and pressed for the introduction of a Bill of this kind. It will be remembered that the Dublin Corporation, in May of 1922. urged the establishment of a Board of Film Censors for all Ireland; Dáil Eireann in its 1920 Session pronounced in favour of that proposal. I am not amongst those who attribute all our present troubles to the Cinema. I do not know whether there was any cinema when Mr. de Valera was young, and I do not know whether he was much addicted to frequenting cinemas when he was not young, but it is beyond question that a censorship is needed and that local censorship seems to have failed. The local authorities were circularised by the Ministry of Local Government and there was a general, an unanimous feeling amongst local authorities that there should be a uniform censorship for the country.
This Bill will be found to be self-supporting and will not be a charge upon public funds, and there will be an appeal from the censor to an Honorary Board of five. I think it will be found to be a non-contentious measure and will go through quickly. In view of the considerable and growing demand for the measure I feel justified in asking the Dáil to consider it even in times like the present, and even in view of the pressure of business that there is.
