asked the Minister for Justice if the publications circulated by foreign distributing libraries are subject to censorship; if he is aware that novels and other literature of an obscene nature are in circulation here; and if he will take immediate steps to have this matter investigated and a proper system of control exercised, if the occasion demands it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Censorship of Foreign Publications.
The Censorship of Publications Act, 1946, prohibits the import, sale and distribution of all publications which are prohibited by the Censorship of Publications Board, and this prohibition extends to the circulation of books by circulating libraries.
The whole question of censorship was fully considered when the Censorship of Publications Act, 1946, was before the Oireachtas, and I do not consider it necessary to reconsider the question now. I do suggest, however, that if any person has information that indecent or obscene publications are in circulation, he should furnish particulars to the Secretary of the Censorship of Publications Board.
Would the Minister say if any complaints have reached him from County Mayo inside the last five or six weeks about certain objectionable books which have been in circulation there in the libraries?
Mr. Boland
That matter is one for the Censorship Board. I have not heard of any such books and I do not know anything about it.
May I take it from the Minister that the censorship is fairly absolute over books coming into this country?
Mr. Boland
That is so, but it could not be dealt with exhaustively unless there were great numbers of inspectors going around the country. It is expected that the public will report matters of that kind to the Secretary of the Censorship of Publications Board, where they will be dealt with.
There are some nasty, filthy ones leaking through.
Mr. Boland
If copies are sent to the board they will deal with them.
You are getting one plum, anyhow.