Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 303: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the details of the membership of the Censorship of Films Appeal Board; the terms of appointment of members; and the qualifications of same for appointment. [2921/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I can inform the Deputy that the details of the membership of the Censorship of Films Appeal Board is as follows: Chairman — Mr. Paul O'Higgins SC; and eight ordinary members — Ms Ann Walsh, Ms Cathy Herbert, Ms Sarah Moorhead, Mr. Kevin Myers, Ms Ann Mooney, Fr. Damien McNiece, Rev. Canon David Pierpoint and Ms Nicola Byrne.

The terms of appointment of the members are in accordance with section 3 of the Censorship of Films Act 1923 and are such that, I, as Minister, appoint nine members to the board and nominate one of them as chairman for a term of five years. Members are eligible for reappointment at the end of the fixed five year term. I can further inform the Deputy that while the legislation governing the appointment of members of the board makes no reference to qualifications required by holders of such positions, I consider that the board, as constituted, reflects a broad spectrum of Irish society.