Video Recordings Act, 1989

Prohibition orders in respect of video works.

7.—(1) If the Official Censor, having examined a video recording containing a video work (whether or not it is a video work in respect of which a supply certificate is in force for the time being), is of opinion that the work is unfit for viewing because—

(a) the viewing of it—

(i) would be likely to cause persons to commit crimes, whether by inciting or encouraging them to do so or by indicating or suggesting ways of doing so or of avoiding detection, or

(ii) would be likely to stir up hatred against a group of persons in the State or elsewhere on account of their race, colour, nationality, religion, ethnic or national origins, membership of the travelling community or sexual orientation, or

(iii) would tend, by reason of the inclusion in it of obscene or indecent matter, to deprave or corrupt persons who might view it,

or

(b) it depicts acts of gross violence or cruelty (including mutilation and torture) towards humans or animals,

he may make an order (referred to in this Act as a prohibition order) prohibiting the supply of video recordings containing the work.

(2) If a prohibition order is made in respect of a video work and a supply certificate is in force in respect of the work, the supply certificate shall cease to have effect on the coming into operation of the order.

(3) The Official Censor may by order revoke a prohibition order and, if he does so, he shall grant a supply certificate in respect of the video work concerned on the date the revocation takes effect.

(4) The Official Censor shall cause a copy of a prohibition order and of an order revoking a prohibition order to be published in Iris Oifigiúil as soon as may be after its making, and such an order shall come into operation upon such publication.