Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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509. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will outline the timeframe for the appointment of a permanent director of the Irish Film Classification Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25081/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question 775 on 16th January, 2013. The position remains as stated.

Reply to Parliamentary Question 775 of 16th January, 2013.

The post of Director of Film Classification is a statutory one, provided for under Section 2 of the Censorship of Films Act 1923, as amended by the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2008. Section 2(3) of the Censorship of Films Act 1923 as amended provides that whenever the Director of Film Classification is temporarily unable to attend to his duties, or where the office of Director of Film Classification is vacant, the Minister may appoint a fit person to perform the duties of the Director of Film Classification, during such inability or vacancy. Every person so appointed shall during his appointment have all the powers of the Director of Film Classification. In accordance with Section 2(3) of the Act, Mr Ger Connolly, the Deputy Director of Film Classification has been appointed to perform the duties of the Director of Film Classification, on a full time basis, since the retirement of Mr John Kelleher from the position of Director of Film Classification in late 2009. I have no plans to alter this situation at this time.

Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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510. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on whether existing legislation is a sufficient safeguard for film classification in view of the technological developments in the intervening years in particular online streaming; and, if not, his plans to bring forward legislative proposals to deal with this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25082/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Censorship of Films Act 1923 and the Video Recordings Act 1989 remain robust pieces of legislation which enable decisions on classification or prohibition of film and video works to reflect the prevailing standards within the State. Online streaming of films as with most internet content does not fall within the scope of current legislation. The regulation of such online content is complicated by the fact that streamed content may often be provided from servers which are not located in the jurisdiction and therefore are not subject to Irish legislation. However, it might be noted that most copyright holders of film/DVD works submit their product, regardless of mode of delivery, to the Irish Film Classification Office for age classification. Once classified, the age rating and consumer advice for such releases are available on the IFCO website, www.ifco.ie. This is an important tool, particularly for parents/guardians, in assessing the suitability of viewing material.

I have no specific plans for legislative change in this area. The Deputy will be aware that the internet is global in reach and that, as a consequence, there is very limited scope for regulation by national authorities.