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.