First book ban in almost 20 years

The Censorship of Publications Board (the “Board”), the regulatory body that oversees all books and periodicals on sale in the state, has banned the first book in Ireland in 18 years.The decision was made at a meeting of the Board on 1 March 2016, on the basis that the book, written by author, Jean Martin, is “indecent or obscene”. The Board agreed that it should be banned under section 6 of the Censorship of Publications Act 1946. The ban was published in Iris Oifigiúil, ...

The Censorship of Publications Board (the “Board”), the regulatory body that oversees all books and periodicals on sale in the state, has banned the first book in Ireland in 18 years.

The decision was made at a meeting of the Board on 1 March 2016, on the basis that the book, written by author, Jean Martin, is “indecent or obscene”. The Board agreed that it should be banned under section 6 of the Censorship of Publications Act 1946. The ban was published in Iris Oifigiúil, the official State Gazette, and means it is illegal for the book to be bought, sold or distributed in Ireland.

The Board has the statutory power to prohibit from publication books or periodicals found by the Board to be obscene, on its own volition or following a referral from a member of the public or a Customs and Excise officer.

Author: Deirdre Duffy