Skip to main content
Normal View

Censorship Laws.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 February 2005

Tuesday, 8 February 2005

Questions (371, 372)

John Gormley

Question:

419 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on the laws that govern the sale and distribution of games (details supplied); his views on whether some of these games are extremely violent and unsuitable for children; his plans to limit their distribution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3483/05]

View answer

Written answers

The legislation dealing with the sale and/or distribution of video games is the Video Recordings Act 1989. In accordance with this legislation, video games are exempted works for classification purposes unless they fall within the terms specified in paragraphs (a) or (b) of section 3(1) of the Act, which covers the grounds for prohibition of works.

The Republic of Ireland is part of the Pan European Game Information, PEGI, a European-wide rating system with regard to video games. Its website is www.pegi.org. Games are classified by PEGI as being suitable for the following age ratings: three plus, seven plus, 12+, 16+ and 18+.

I am informed by the film censor that it is now normal practice to view games rated as 18+ and, in some cases, 16+ to allow it to form an opinion as to whether such games fall within the terms specified in paragraphs (a) or (b) of section 3(1) of the Video Recordings Act 1989.

I am considering a review of the law in respect of this matter. Any such review will take account of issues surrounding the classification, supply and sale of computer and video games. Any proposals for changes to the legislation that might result from such a review would be brought before the Government and announced in the usual manner.

John Gormley

Question:

420 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the basis on which the film censor allows certain films to be distributed as videos while others can only be viewed in the cinema; if he intends to review this legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3484/05]

View answer

The legislation governing the censorship of films and videos includes the Censorship of Films Act 1923, the Video Recordings Act 1989 and subsequent legislation. This legislation provides for the certification, classification and, in certain circumstances, the prohibition of films and videos.

The decision as to which films are submitted for cinema classification and which films go straight to video is a commercial one and as such is a matter for the distributors concerned. I am considering a review of the law on this matter. Any proposals for changes to the legislation that might result from such a review would be brought before the Government and announced in the usual manner.

Top
Share