asked the Minister for Justice whether his attention has been called to a statement in the "Irish Times" of the 8th May, that the Film Censor had rejected 80 per cent. of the films submitted to him; and whether, in view of that statement, he would furnish a return for the four months ended 30th April last, showing the number of films presented, the number and percentage passed with and without cuts, and the number rejected, distinguishing between the various classes of films submitted; further, whether there were any appeals, and with what results.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Film Censorship.
I have seen the statement mentioned in the question. The figures asked for are as follow:—
The total number of films presented to the Official Censor during the four months ended 30th April last was 893, of which 551 were drama and 342 interest. Of the dramas, 79 were rejected, being 14.3 per cent., and 86 were cut, being 15.6 per cent. of the total. No interest pictures were rejected, but 10, being 3.42 per cent., were cut. There were 19 appeals against the Censor's decision. His decision was confirmed in 13 cases; in five the film was passed with cuts, and in one case his decision was reversed.