asked the Minister for Justice if he will state whether provision exists for adequate censorship of plays in the Saorstát; and, if not, whether he will take steps to set up a body with power to exercise powers of censorship.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - CENSORSHIP OF PLAYS.
There is no law in the Saorstát authorising an official censorship of plays. If, however, a particular production is blasphemous, obscene or indecent, a remedy by way of criminal prosecution is available. No legislation to create an official censorship of plays is in contemplation.
Arising out of that answer, is the Minister aware that a play entitled "Biddy" was produced in Limerick some months ago, and in view of the fact that only for the intervention of some citizens the whole establishment would be torn down, does he not think it would be better to appoint a censor of plays in a city like Limerick or in a large provincial town?
I think that the non-success of "Biddy" as a financial undertaking in Ireland renders it extremely improbable that such a situation will again arise.
In order to prevent any trouble, would the Minister not think it better to appoint a Committee to consider the question of appointing a censor of plays?
I do not think it would be necessary.
Why a censor for films and not for plays?—Is there any difference?
I think there is a very substantial difference.