Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am certain that given the principles the Deputy outlined earlier about the ability of people to determine what they read, he will exercise that himself. I assure him that the literature is available in bookstores around the country. He does not need to wait for this process to be served out if he wishes to read it.

In terms of how long it is since anything has been banned, I refer to the points made by Deputy Niall Collins. The pieces of legislation under discussion are a reflection of the time in which the legislation was drafted. The fact that they have been so inactive recently clearly tells its own story.

Deputy Finian McGrath's comments showed the balancing act we all have to perform. Comments are made on the Internet and through social media that can cause great upset and damage, and the Deputy said we should consider regulation in this regard. We cannot have it both ways.

We cannot say that, for one particular art form or other form of expression people have to decide ultimately what it is they want to consume, and then say the State has a role in another sphere of communication. The delicate balancing act between the absolute right of expression and the fact that some forms of expression have consequences for people is one in which the State needs to play a role.

That said, that is not a rationale for these censorship bodies or the legislation in question. I agree with Deputy Michael Colreavy that the legislation is a reflection of the times in which it was introduced. It would be unthinkable that the great pieces of literature of many of our contemporary artists such as Kevin Barry, Emma Donoghue, Colm Tóibín and John Banville would be impacted on by a decision of the State to censor them. That itself is a change from where we have been, which is why these bodies and legislation will be reviewed.

Deputy Billy Kelleher accurately summarised the background to section 31 which was repealed because of a change in the political and social consensus. When the review of the censorship legislation is completed, the Minister will outline a course of action regarding the Censorship of Publications Act and the two bodies in question.

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