asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware that many of the films released for distribution in Ireland are vehicles of pro-British propaganda and are being used for the glorification of the British armed forces with a view to recruiting young Irishmen into the service of the power which occupies our six northeastern counties; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take to remedy the position.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pro-British Films.
Without accepting the implications in the Deputy's question, I may say that, in my opinion, a censorship of so-called propaganda, other than propaganda of a blasphemous, seditious or indecent character, is neither constitutional nor feasible, except in time of war.
Will the Minister not agree that it increases the difficulties of his colleague, the Minister for Defence, in recruiting for our own armed forces if propaganda of the nature described is constantly put before the eyes of young Irishmen in the cinemas?
I think the Deputy is hardly fair to our youths when he suggests that they will be swayed by seeing pictures in cinemas.
Does the Minister think it is fair that propaganda of this nature should be shoved before them in such a way that they cannot escape it?
Will the Minister inform the House what assistance Deputy Lehane gave in recruiting men to the Army during the emergency period?
The same assistance as you gave us in 1922.