asked the Minister for Justice if he can now state definitely the date of introduction of proposals for legislation dealing with the Report of the Committee on Evil Literature.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - EVIL LITERATURE LEGISLATION.
The Executive Council have accorded priority to the Bill which is to be introduced in pursuance of the recommendations of the Committee on Evil Literature. The Bill is in an advanced stage of preparation, and whilst I cannot name a date for its introduction I think it will be feasible to introduce it during the course of the coming month.
Does the Minister not consider it imperative, in view of the Dalkey and Killiney holds-up of trains and other burnings of newspapers, that a special effort should be made to introduce the Bill at an early date?
I think I have already explained to the House that this is a difficult and intricate measure and must of necessity take time and that there has been no delay in the preparation of the Bill. As far as these raids to which the Deputy has alluded are concerned, they are raids which we cannot and will not tolerate. They are foolish and criminal.
That does not arise out of the question.
Perhaps I may take this opportunity of giving notice to the persons who took part in those raids that we will take strong measures to counter them, whether they are armed or unarmed.
Does the Minister not think it desirable that before the imported Sunday papers are distributed that he should appoint somebody to take a glance through them and if necessary prevent their distribution?
I am afraid I would have no statutory authority to carry out that suggestion even if it were feasible.