asked the Minister for Finance what steps are being taken to prevent the circulation in this country of a publication (name supplied) published in London in view of the indecent and objectionable features of introductory editions of this publication and of the fact that many copies are in circulation in this country amongst teenagers and others.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Circulation of Objectionable Publication.
2.
The importation of any indecent or obscene matter is prohibited under the customs laws and I am satisfied that the prohibition is strictly enforced by customs personnel. The publication in question has not come to the notice of the customs authorities.
Can the Minister say what is to prevent the publishers from sending their literature into this country by post, in the ordinary way? There is nothing to prevent them from posting their literature.
The Post Office, of course, would be responsible for that.
The Minister admits that he has not seen this, what I can describe as very indecent literature, thousands of copies of which have come into this country by post. Surely, steps should be taken to prevent indecent literature from being flooded into this country for the purpose of corrupting the morals of our young people?
Of course, when I got this question, I made inquiries from the customs authorities and they said they had not come across the publication. That is all they could say.
It may be quite true that the customs authorities have no knowledge of this very indecent literature but, surely, the Minister ought to make inquiries and see what steps can be taken to prevent such indecent literature coming in in thousands in the ordinary post? Seemingly, the postal authorities on the far side are not too particular as to what is sent to this country. This is a matter worthy of the Minister's serious consideration.
From what the Deputy says, I think it is a matter for the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs.
Would the Minister like to see some of this literature?
No. Keep it to yourself. You enjoy it.
I do not think I would be interested.
Surely the Minister must have a responsibility in this matter?
The Deputy has said all that before.
Only for the customs.
Will the Minister direct the attention of the customs authorities to this matter and also of the Post Office authorities?
Of the Post Office authorities, yes.