asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that a paperback (name supplied), widely held to be pornographic, is freely on sale in Dublin; and what action he proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Pornographic Publication.
40.
The question whether a book is or is not obscene is not a matter for me to decide. As I pointed out in reply to questions on 5th February, it is open to any person who believes that a book is obscene to make a complaint to the Censorship of Publications Board or, if the book is on sale, to make a complaint to the gardaí. If a complaint is made to the gardaí, the decision as to whether there will be a prosecution will be taken by the law officers.
I am informed that a complaint in respect of the book mentioned was in fact made to the board and that the board decided not to prohibit it.
Is the Minister telling the House that the Censorship Board have decided this is not a pornographic book?
They decided not to prohibit it.
Is the Minister aware of the very serious concern of many parents in Dublin because of this book which was a best-seller in America and is now a best-seller in Dublin? It is a filthy book by any standards.
I do not know; I have not read the book.
This is a very serious matter and if the Censorship Board are serious in saying that this is not a pornographic book, then the Minister should do something about the Censorship Board and do it very soon.
The Censorship Board are there to deal with matters of this kind and in their wisdom they decided to allow this book. Possibly, their standards and those of the Deputy are different.
I would advise the Minister to read the book.
I might be too young to read it.
Am I to understand that the Minister has no overall authority in prohibiting the importation of filthy literature into this country?
I will not accept the Deputy's description. I do not know what the objections to this book are except what has been stated by Deputy Clinton but I am saying that this board have the statutory authority to censor books and either prohibit or allow them. It is their responsibility and theirs alone but there is an appeal from this board.
So that as far as the Minister is concerned any filth can come into the country while he has no power or desire to take any action?
Why not raise it on the adjournment?
Deputy Esmonde will not get away with that. The Dáil, in their wisdom, brought in this legislation. The Deputy can go on with all his nonsense about Biafra but if the House want to change that legislation it is a question of the House doing so.
The Minister spoke of an appeal being possible. To whom would the appeal be made?
There is an Appeal Board which is a different board.