In relation to video tapes, the House will be aware that the Video Recordings Act, 1989, was enacted to control and regulate the supply and importation of video recordings. This Act is being brought into operation in stages. Last year I made orders under that Act to enable the film censor to grant licences to wholesale and retail video dealers and to prohibit the supply of objectionable videos. It is proposed to make a further order and regulations in the coming months to enable the film censor to examine all new videos intended for supply and also to commence the systematic examination of all videos already on the market.
Turning to the matter of audio tapes, there is no specific legislation for the censorship of sound recordings, for the simple reason that there has not been a problem of pornographic or obscene records or tapes being put on the market. I am aware, however, that serious concern has been expressed about a recent recording by an American group which has come on the Irish market.
I would like to place on record that I share that concern. I would hope that the civic responsibility and good sense of the record retailers and distributors in this country will ensure that their recordings will be quickly taken off their shelves.
I have, however, asked the Garda authorities to examine whether distribution or sale of such a recording may constitute a criminal offence and I have asked them to explore all avenues to see whether the sale of such material can be lawfully prevented.