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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Nov 1943

Vol. 92 No. 1

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Censorship of Speeches.

asked the Minister for the Co-Ordination of Defensive Measures if he is aware that a report of certain public meetings held in County Tipperary on 16th October, 1943, and addressed by Mr. Gearóid O Cuinneagáin, was submitted by the Tipperary Star to the Censor and was refused publication; if he will state why publication was not allowed to Mr. O Cuinneagáin's speeches which were based on constitutional policy; and if he will indicate the portion of the speeches which, in the Censor's opinion, was objectionable.

The answer to the first part of the Deputy's question is in the affirmative.

As regards the second part, the Deputy, is incorrect in stating that Mr. O Cuinneagáin's speeches were based on constitutional policy. On the contrary, the reports of the speeches indicated clearly that Mr. O Cuinneagáin spoke against the measures which the Government had found it necessary to adopt to defend the people from those who sought to overthrow by violence the institutions of State.

They showed also that the speaker left it to be inferred that he would use force unconstitutionally.

Speeches of this nature infringe the provisions of the Emergency Powers Order, 1939, and publication of them was, therefore, prohibited by the Press Censor.

Could the Minister say what portion of Mr. O Cuinneagáin's speech was unconstitutional?

That is not done.

I think the sooner you get rid of this Censor with the foreign, British mentality, the better for the State.

That was not a supplementary question.

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