Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 11 Jun 1992

Vol. 421 No. 2

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Production of Pornographic Material.

Séamus Pattison

Question:

2 Mr. Pattison asked the Minister for Justice if, in view of the uncovering of a large illegal pirating operation at 26 premises by the Garda, which was involved in the production of pornographic material which included scenes depicting bestiality and sexual abuse of children, and taking into account that Garda sources maintain that the IRA have been receiving earnings from this pirating operation, he will outline the immediate steps he is proposing to take to ensure that this illegal operation is prevented from operating here again; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Mr. Flynn

It is not the practice for Ministers for Justice to make statements to the House about specific Garda investigations except in singular instances where the circumstances are so exceptional that such a course is deemed to be appropriate. Accordingly, I do not propose to make any statement about the particular Garda investigation referred to in the question. I ask the House to bear in mind that we are all constrained in what we may say here today about this case by the fact that court proceedings may ensue.

On the general question of illegal video pirating, the Garda authorities have available to them the necessary resources, including legal powers, to deal with any such operations being run in this State. I can assure the House that the full extent of those resources will be used to combat any such illegal activity which comes to notice.

Mr. Pattison

From the information available to the Minister, is he satisfied that this kind of illegal operation is now fully stamped out? Is the Minister satisfied that there are sufficient resources to continue to ensure that no such operation is being carried out in this State?

Mr. Flynn

The operation referred to was very successful, as the Deputy will be aware. The Garda authorities advise that they have the resources necessary to deal with such activities. One can never say positively that any particular activity will be stamped out for all time, but the Deputy may take it that matters have progressed well in this area. The new Garda anti-racketeering unit acted very well in this operation and we are satisfied that they are up to the job.