asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been directed to the series of articles appearing in a British Sunday paper circulating in Ireland concerning the alleged crime record of a youth; and, further, if he is aware that there is grave general objection to the publication of such articles, which are adanger to the youth of the country; and, if so, if he has taken or proposes to take any steps in regard to it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - British Sunday Paper Articles.
Mr. Boland
The Minister for Justice has no function in the matter. The Censorship of Publications Act, 1946, provides that the Censorship Board may make a prohibition order in respect of any newspaper or other periodical publication whose recent issues have, in the opinion of the board, devoted an unduly large proportion of space to the publication of matter relating to crime. The board is entitled to act only on a complaint made to them in the prescribed manner and I understand that no complaint has been made in respect of the newspaper in question. Any member of the public is entitled to make such complaint to the board.