David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Section 9 includes a new paragraph (a) with a definition of child pornography that includes any visual representation "that shows, or in the case of a document relates to, a person who is or is depicted as being a child". The reference to "the case of a document" seems a little odd to me. I presume this refers to a pornographic document. What happens in the case of Benny Hill dressing up as a child and engaging in frolics and so on? That is little nonsensical. In other words, what if we have someone who is an adult but dresses up in a pair of short trousers or a baby frock or whatever, but he is plainly and obviously an adult? Is it really very significant to attack this kind of practice? It does not titillate me, I have to say, but it seems a little absurd. It is fine in the case of a person who is a child, but I am unsure about the provision for "a person who is depicted as being a child". It seems to be a little daft. Again, maybe there is a cogent explanation.