asked the Minister for Justice if he is satisfied that the present control of the entry of undesirable literature into this country is sufficient.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Undesirable Literature: Import Control.
10.
The law does not take cognisance of undesirable literature as such, and is concerned only with whether or not literature is indecent or obscene or, where periodical publications are involved, with whether these publications devote too much space to crime.
I do not consider that the law on the matter is in need of amendment.
What precautions can the Minister take to prevent the entry of undesirable literature into the country? It seems to the ordinary person, looking at the bookstalls, that there is quite an amount of undesirable literature in the country. Would the Minister indicate what steps are taken to prevent this literature gaining access?
I take it the question of the undesirability of literature would be governed by one's general view in relation to reading matter. Undesirable literature need not necessarily be indecent, obscene or blasphemous, and it is only with blasphemous, obscene or indecent matter we deal.
Surely the question relates to undersirable literature. I take it from the Minister's reply now that he has no means whatsoever of dealing with undesirable literature. My question is unanswered.