asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that public displays of male nudity are reported to have taken place on several occasions recently in a Dublin theatre; and if any action is contemplated by the Garda as a result.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Male Nudity Displays.
65.
The question of Garda action could arise only in the context of a complaint or allegation that the production in question involved the commission of a criminal offence. Accordingly, I would not be prepared to make any statement about these or any other individual or identifiable stage performances beyond re-stating the principle that if the Garda Síochána received a formal complaint—which in this context means a complaint from a person who actually saw the stage-show and who is willing to testify in court—the Garda will submit the matter for a decision by the Attorney General.
May I put it to the Minister that it is unrealistic that when an exhibition of this kind is widely publicised in the newspapers the Garda cannot move unless they have a specific complaint from a private citizen? If a matter of public scandal of this nature is reported widely in the press is it not in the public interest that the Garda should investigate it?
I do not want to make any reference to any particular show or place lest there would, in fact, be a prosecution. The Garda interviewed certain people connected with what I think the Deputy is referring to and certain facts were stated to them. I understand there was not any repetition of an incident that is alleged to have happened on one occasion.