asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware that there is an increasing number of publications by communistic writers on sale in this country and that this literature is continually on display in certain bookshops, and, if so, if he will take steps to prevent such literature being offered for sale, if necessary by the introduction of proposals for legislation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Communist Publications.
I am advised that, under the law as it stands, the publication, sale or distribution of so-called communistic writings (which are not otherwise unlawful) is no offence and that there would have to be an amendment of the Constitution to make it so. It appears, moreover, that it would be so difficult as to be practically impossible to arrive at a clear definition of communistic publications that would be generally acceptable and to frame an amendment of the Constitution to permit of the banning of such publications which would not be likely to do more harm than good. I am, of course, aware that publications of the type in question have been on sale in this country to a limited extent for many years, but I am not aware that the number of these publications is increasing and I think their sale is negligible.