asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to a report (details supplied); and if he will introduce legislation to amend the Censorship of Publications Acts to strengthen control on the circulation of publications containing articles of this nature.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Censorship of Publications.
120.
The Censorship of Publications Act, 1946, does not allow for the banning of a newspaper or other periodicial publication on the basis of matters appearing in only one issue. I do not think that there is sufficient reason to change the law in that respect. Of course if a publication, even in one issue, were obscene, it could be the subject of a prosecution. A decision on a prosecution would be one for the Attorney General.
I should like to ask the Minister if he has any comment to make on page 2 of The People of 27th June, 1971. I sent the page to the Minister and he returned it with his compliments, duly noted. Does he propose to take any suitable action in regard to this matter or will he allow this to continue? If it does continue it will have serious and detrimental effects on a large section of readers?
I did not see the actual page in question but I have a description of what appeared on it.
I sent it to the Minister.
I know. I did not see it personally but I have been informed of what was on it. It is very unfortunate and, perhaps, lacking in taste to a great degree that such matters should be published in a newspaper.
Would the Minister like to see it?
No, I shall take the Deputy's word for it.
Do I understand that the Minister proposes to direct the attention of the Attorney General to this publication?
It would be a matter for the gardaí. They may—I am not saying they will—in the ordinary course, refer it to the Attorney General.
Could I help the Minister by a strong recommendation to the Attorney General to take suitable action in this case?
I am sure the Attorney General will bear in mind the Deputy's views.
I shall do it before I go home this weekend.