Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:25 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice whether she has satisfied herself that legislation in relation to video nasties is operating satisfactorily; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Video Nasties.
I assume that the term "video nasties" referred to by the Deputy relates to video works which the official censor is empowered to prohibit under section 7 of the Video Recordings Act, 1989.
That section of the Act was brought into operation with effect from 26 July 1991 and since then the official censor and assistant censors have prohibited 655 video works. Prohibition orders are due to be promulgated in respect of a further 760 video works, approximately. In the same period, there has been a number of prosecutions by the Garda for offences in relation to possession and/or supply of prohibited video works.
The prohibition provisions of the 1989 Act would seem therefore to be operating satisfactorily. The overall effectiveness of the Act will, of course, be monitored on an ongoing basis.