Dáil Éireann - Volume 182 - 24 May, 1960

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Amendment of Censorship of Films Act, 1923.

Sir Anthony Esmonde Sir Anthony Esmonde

11. Sir Anthony Esmonde asked the Minister for Justice if in view of the communistic propaganda in films produced in the Soviet Union and Soviet-controlled territory he will consider the advisability of amending the Censorship of Films Act, 1923, to enable the censor to take the necessary action to prevent the exhibition of such films in this country.

Minister for Justice (Mr. Traynor) Oscar Traynor

Minister for Justice (Mr. Traynor): It is the opinion of the Government that the extension of censorship, except in time of war, beyond the limits of the existing law would be most inadvisable even if it were not repugnant to the Constitution, as I think it might be.

Sir Anthony Esmonde Sir Anthony Esmonde

Sir Anthony Esmonde: Would the Minister not agree that the world situation has changed somewhat since 1923 and in view of those circumstances, does he not consider that this is a matter which would be worthy of consideration by the Government?

Mr. Traynor Mr. Traynor

Mr. Traynor: I do not agree.

Sir Anthony Esmonde Sir Anthony Esmonde

Sir Anthony Esmonde: Does the Minister not agree that the world situation has changed somewhat since 1923?

Mr. Blowick Mr. Blowick

Mr. Blowick: The Minister has said the Government would consider it inadvisable to bring in new legislation. Would he say why?

Mr. Traynor Mr. Traynor

Mr. Traynor: I do not think it is necessary or advisable at the moment.

Dáil Éireann 182 Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. Amendment of Censorship of Films Act, 1923.

Questions

19600524