Censorship of Publications Board (Ireland)

The Censorship of Publications Board was an Irish state body established under the Censorship of Publications Act 1929 and abolished by the Censorship of Publications Act 1946. Its primary function was to examine books and periodicals and to prohibit those deemed indecent or obscene. The Board consisted of five members appointed by the Minister for Justice.

The Board could, on its own initiative or following a complaint, examine any publication. If the Board members considered a publication to be "indecent or obscene" or that it advocated "the unnatural prevention of conception," they could issue a prohibition order. Once prohibited, the sale and distribution of the publication was illegal in Ireland.

The Board’s decisions were subject to appeal to the Censorship of Publications Appeal Board, which was a separate body.

The Censorship of Publications Act 1929, and the Board established under it, reflected the conservative social and moral values prevalent in Ireland during that period. The system of censorship was highly controversial, leading to the banning of many notable literary works and raising concerns about freedom of expression. The 1946 Act, which replaced the 1929 Act, while still retaining censorship powers, refined the process and adjusted the criteria for prohibition, reflecting a slight shift in public and political attitudes. However, censorship of publications remained a significant aspect of Irish life for many years after.