The film censor, Mr John Kelleher, has announced two changes to the existing film certificate categories, with effect from January 1st.
The more significant of the changes is the introduction of a new 16 certificate for cinema releases that will be restricted to persons aged 16 and over. Under the present system, a wide gap exists between films classified as 15PG and 18.
Films with a 15PG rating are, in the opinion of the censor, suitable for those aged 15 and over only. However, children under that age are admitted if accompanied by an adult. The 15PG rating given to a current release, the black comedy Bad Santa, has been the subject of controversy in recent weeks.
Speaking from Paris where he is taking part in the European Conference of Film Classifiers, Mr Kelleher said last night that the changes have been made following consultations with parents, people involved in education, the public, film distributors and cinema managers.
"A number of recent films were given an 18 rating, whereas a 16 rating would have been absolutely adequate had such a rating been in force at the time," he said. "However, none of those films would have qualified for the 15PG rating, so they had to be given the 18 rating." The other change in the system is the redesignation of the existing 12PG and 15PG certificates as 12A and 15A from next month.
"We are delighted with the new certificates," Ms Sharon McGarry, the general manager of 20th Century Fox (Ireland), told The Irish Times.
"The 16 certificate is particularly welcome, as some films did not justify getting an 18 certificate, yet they were not suitable for a 15PG certificate either."