asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to a report to the effect that major changes in the censorship laws are contemplated; if this is so; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Changes in Censorship Laws.
33.
As I have mentioned in reply to a question on another subject recently, I have no responsibility for conjectures published by newspapers.
I have under continuous consideration the question of reform of the law on many matters of concern in my Department and the question of reform of the law relating to censorship is one at which I have had a preliminary look.
If I come to a positive decision, and any proposals that I may make are acceptable to Government, amending legislation will be promoted in due course.
Mr. O'Leary
Is the Minister aware that at present in some newsagents' shops it is possible to get paperbacks which are strictly pornographic and in any relaxation that may be introduced, will the Minister ensure that pornography will be dealt with in a more severe fashion? I have in mind one book on the insurrection. In certain schools children were given a direction to get as many books as possible on 1916 and one of them, entitled "Rebellion", is straight pornography.
This and any other matters in connection with the censorship laws will be considered if there are any proposals for amending legislation.