asked the Minister for Justice whether he contemplates introducing legislation which will have the effect of segregating films into (a) films for adults only; (b) films suitable for children; and (c) special cinema programmes for children and confining them to those classes.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Segregation of Films.
Mr. Boland
I have given careful consideration to this matter from time to time, but I do not think that legislation on the lines suggested would serve any useful purpose.
While I am satisfied that the influence of the cinema on children is sometimes injurious, I believe that the injury is caused more by too frequent attendance than by the quality of the films which are exhibited.
Section 7 (3) of the Censorship of Films Act, 1923, authorises the issue of "limited certificates", and under this provision the Official Censor of Films could in effect prohibit the admission of children to the exhibition of particular films. In fact, the Official Censor has never exercised this power because he and the Appeal Board take the view that there is a danger that films with "limited certificates" would arouse unhealthy curiosity. The Official Censor and the Appeal Board have, therefore, thought it better to endeavour to ensure that no film is passed if it contains anything which would be seriously injurious even to young minds.