asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that American periodicals and children's picture papers and British reprints thereof that are circulating in this country may have a detrimental effect on immature citizens and if, in view of the fact that the Censorship Board have not banned these, he will take steps to prevent their importation, if necessary by the introduction of proposals for amending legislation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - American Publications.
I would refer the Deputy to a reply given by me to a somewhat similar question on 12th December last.
I am not satisfied that there is any need for an amendment of the law on the lines suggested by the Deputy.
Does the Minister not consider that this sort of lurid picture literature which is circulating in this country from America is causing just as much anxiety here as it is across the water?
Mr. Boland
In so far as children read these things, it is a matter of concern for their parents rather than for the Government.
Hear, hear! A Daniel come to judgement.
If the Minister will see me in his office I will show him some of these periodicals later on.
Mr. Boland
Under the existing law, if the Censorship Board is satisfied that any periodical is giving an undue proportion of space to crime and matters of that kind it has power under law to prohibit the publication.
Do not ban "Blondie".
I maintain that these periodicals are responsible for crime.
Mr. Boland
Does the Deputy understand there is a Censorship of Publications Board?
If these periodicals fall into the same category as seedless raisins, they are indispensable commodities for which dollars must be provided.
Mr. Boland
The Deputy knows more about these things than I do. He is himself a shopkeeper.
You have two days more——
Order!
The Deputy has about another month there and then he will be shifting his pew.