asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if his attention has been drawn to the circulation through the post in Cork City and elsewhere in the Irish Free State of an anti-Christian pamphlet during the month of January, 1934; and, if so, if he will state what steps he proposes to take to prevent a recurrence of the distribution of such blasphemous propaganda through the post.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Anti-Christian Propaganda
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. There are, however, at present no powers under which the Post Office can take action. As regards the second part, the matter is under consideration.
I want to know is it a fact that the delivery of these pamphlets was under the consideration of the Department for a period, and if so, on what grounds were these pamphlets released in order to be distributed?
Mr. Boland
As I said, the Post Office has no powers at the present to take action, but the matter is being considered between the Post Office and the Department of Justice. At the present there is no power in the Post Office to act.
That satisfies me.
Has the Minister had power to prevent the distribution of indecent literature in the post?
Mr. Boland
Yes.
That is, to deal with the stuff generally coming under that definition?
Mr. Boland
Yes.