asked the Minister for Justice whether, in view of the position in the United Kingdom, his Department has any function in regulating the control of video films which are available from various outlets.
161.
Written Answers. - Control of Video Films.
160.
asked the Minister for Justice whether, in respect of video films, he intends to introduce legislation to cover the acquisition of films by juveniles which display excessive and or unnecessary violence.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 160 and 161 together. As Minister for Justice, I have responsibility for legislation on censorship. The Censorship of Films Act, 1923, provides, inter alia, that a film may not be displayed in public unless and until the official censor has certified that the whole of such picture is fit for exhibition in public. This requirement applies to all films, including video films.
I am having the adequacy of the law for the control of video films examined so that decisions can be taken on any measures found to be needed to deal with the problem. In this regard the legislation recently introduced in the United Kingdom concerning video films is being studied by my Department.