asked the Minister for Justice whether his attention has been drawn to a newspaper report of a meeting of the Canterbury Teachers' Association wherein it was stated that comic papers and magazines taken from the desks of local school-children had been graded according to their "deadliness," that they were regarded as being quite unfit for children and that many of them were printed in this country; and, if so, if he will make a statement in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Reading of Comics by Children.
Mr. Boland
I have seen the report in question. It contains no allegation that unsuitable comics are printed in Ireland. What is does contain is a statement (a) that some comics found in the possession of school-children were unsuitable for them; (b) that others were quite unobjectionable, and (c) that some of the comics were printed in Ireland and France.
I have no information that objectionable comics are printed in Ireland.
Does the Minister propose to make any investigation to ascertain whether or not they are being printed in Ireland?
Mr. Boland
I have stated before in regard to this question of children reading these comics that it is primarily a matter for the parents to ensure that they are not allowed to read them. If there is any question of their coming in, I will ask the customs people to keep an eye on them to see if any of them are objectionable, but, as I say, it is mainly the responsibility of the parents.
What about the local school managers?
Mr. Boland
The parents come first. They should not let the children read them.