Dáil Éireann debate -
Friday, 22 Jun 1923

Vol. 3 No. 32

CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. [ORAL ANSWERS.] - CENSORSHIP OF FILMS.

AILFRID O BROIN

asked the Minister for Home Affairs if he will state whether it is a fact that repeated applications for the reception of a deputation have been made to him by the Theatre and Cinema Association (Ireland); and whether, in view of the fact that the cost of censorship as provided by the terms of the Censorship of Films Bill, 1923, will be borne by the cinema proprietors, he is prepared to receive a deputation of the said Association on behalf of the proprietors; and further if he will state whether the following information has been brought to his notice:—

(1) That the trade is already very severely taxed through the Entertainments Tax and by the newly added Import Duty on Films.

(2) That for the past couple of years a great number of the Cinema Exhibitors have been carrying on at a substantial loss, and are not able to bear any further burden.

(3) That it is the opinion of the Members of the Association that the cost of the censorship of films should be borne out of the general taxes; and if he will give an assurance that, before appointing a censor and a staff, he will obtain all available information regarding the number of films requiring censoring, in order to insure that the cost of censorship will be reduced to the minimum.

MINISTER for HOME AFFAIRS (Mr. K. O'Higgins)

Applications were received for the reception of a deputation from the Theatre and Cinema Association (Ireland). No particulars were, however, supplied on the subjects which the deputation desired to discuss, and although repeated requests were made for a memorandum showing the points which would be raised, no details were furnished until recently, when the Association stated that they desired information regarding the expenses involved in connection with the censorship. Arrangements were made at once for a deputation to be received in my Department and the views of the representatives of the Association have been noted and considered.

As regards the other questions all these facts are receiving careful consideration and every effort will be made to reduce the cost of censorship to a minimum.

On the question of deputations generally I would say that people ought not to expect to be received without giving some opportunity to the Ministry to consider what the matter is that it is proposed to discuss, and whether it would be a useful expenditure of time to discuss it.

Mr. A. BYRNE

Will the Minister say whether these people who are to be taxed and who are already heavily taxed, and who are in this business are not entitled to be heard by the Department that is about adding a further tax on them? Am I to take it from the Minister that he will now receive a deputation from these people.

Mr. O'HIGGINS

I have stated to the Deputy that a deputation has been received and their views have been noted and considered. I have further stated that every effort will be made to reduce the cost of censorship to a minimum. I can assure the Deputy that that minimum will be quite small.