andMr. Moore asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware that paperback books of an obviously indecent nature are freely on sale at low prices in shops throughout the country, many of which should be condemned for the cover illustrations alone; and whether he proposes to take any action to ensure that such corrupting literature ceases to be available.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sale of Indecent Books.
49.
I regret to say that, even in the short period since I took office as Minister for Justice, a large volume of complaints has reached me in regard to books of the kind referred to. I glanced at some that were shown to me and I do not mind saying that my reaction was one of disgust.
I want to emphasise, however, that the existing machinery of the law, if properly utilised, is quite adequate to cope with the sale of indecent publications and it is up to members of the public to make their views known in the way for which the law makes provision. The position is that any member of the public can submit a book, without formality, to the Censorship of Publications Board, 26 Upper Pembroke Street, Dublin, and the board is bound to consider the complaint. Furthermore, if the nature of a publication is grossly offensive, a complaint can be made to the Garda, who in a suitable case would seek the directions of the law officers on the institution of criminal proceedings, though I think I should make it clear that, in all but the most exceptional cases, a complaint to the Censorship Board would be more appropriate.
The public can most effectively express their reaction to publications of the type in question through practical action of this kind. When examining a book the board are obliged under section 6 of the Act to have regard to a number of matters including the nature and extent of circulation, the class of reader and "any other matter relating to the book which appears to them to be relevant." I have no doubt that if public feeling is expressed by an appreciable volume of complaints the board will have regard to that in the course of their evaluation of any publication before them.