Reference Code: IE-MA-OCC-
Dates: 1939-1945
Level of Description: Fonds
Extent and Medium: 11 boxes, paper
Access: Open to the public
Language: English
Note: Finding Aid: Currently paper, available in the reading room.
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Legislation in the form of the Emergency Powers Act, 1939 paved the way for the introduction of censorship in Ireland during the period of the Emergency. Under this act the government could, by emergency order “authorise and provide for the censorship, restriction, control, or partial or complete suspension of communication …”¹
The Office of the Controller of Censorship was staffed by civil servants and officially fell under Frank Aiken’s responsibilities for the Coordination of Defensive Measures. However, in practice, it was attached to the Department of Defence. Emergency censorship was lifted on the 11th May 1945.
Scope and Content:
This collection contains the records of the Office of Controller of Censorship. This includes administrative paperwork on the formation and staffing of the Office and files on the implementation of press, telegraphic and postal censorship. The collection also contains material on Emergency Powers Orders with relevance to the Office and Parliamentary Questions on censorship in neutral Ireland.
¹Emergency Powers Act, 1939, section 2 paragraph h.