Ireland

[IE] Developments in Film Censorship

IRIS 2004-9:1/27

Candelaria van Strien-Reney

Faculty of Law, National University of Ireland, Galway

On 3 September 2004, the Office of the Irish Film Censor (see IRIS 2004-3: 10) published the results of a survey of the views of parents regarding film classification.

The main concerns of parents in regard to the content of the films, videos and DVDs that their children watched were ­ in descending order of concern: drug taking, violence, racial references, underage drinking of alcohol, sexual activity/dialogue, anti-social behaviour, swearing and strong language, horror and scary scenes, nudity, drinking of alcohol, and cigarette smoking.

The survey also found that while parents were generally satisfied with the Film Censor's classifications, a significant percentage of parents said that the PG classification (under which it is recommended that a child be accompanied by an adult) and the 12PG and 15PG classifications (under which children under those ages must be accompanied by an adult) were too strict. In light of this the Film Censor said he is considering relaxing certain classifications and introducing a new 16 classification that would prohibit anyone under that age from viewing the relevant film. This would bridge the gap between the current 15PG and 18 classifications.

Last year the Office of the Film Censor certified 213 feature films and 6,504 videos and DVDs. No feature films were banned, and just 16 videos were banned.

The Film Censor also announced the launch of his Office's first web-site <

In a separate development, the Minister for Justice has announced that he intends to introduce legislation to give the Office of the Film Censor a "new orientation" and possibly a new name, to reflect its advisory and information-giving role. The Office of the Film Censor is under the authority of the Minister for Justice.