Irish Film Classification Office
Introduction
Oifig Scrúdóir na Scannán is the name for the Irish Film Censor's Office. The title is in Irish, and literally translates as Examiner of Film's Office.
System
Staff
The office consists of 17 staff members:
- Film Censor - John Kelleher
- Deputy Censor - Ger Connolly
- 6 Assistant Censors - Olga Bennett, Tom Fitzgerald, Mairead Marron, John Keith, Tony Stapleton, and one vacancy.
- Office Manager - Eileen Fitzgerald
- 6 Civil Servants from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform
- 2 Projectionists
Certificates
Cinematic Certificates
The current cinematic certificates that are issued are:
- G - Suitable for all
- PG - Parents are strongly advised to accompany younger children
- 12A - Minimum age for admission is 12, but younger children may be admitted if accompanied by an adult (12PG until late 2004)
- 15A - Minimum age for admission is 15, but younger children may be admitted if accompanied by an adult (15PG until late 2004)
- 16 - Minimum age for admission is 16
- 18 - Minimum age for admission is 18
DVD/VHS Certificates
The current certificates for DVD/VHS that are issued are:
- G - Suitable for all
- PG - Parents are strongly advised to watch with younger children
- 12 - Suitable for people aged 12 and over, and not to be supplied to someone below that age
- 15 - Suitable for people aged 15 and over, and not to be supplied to someone below that age
- 18 - Suitable for people aged 18 and over, and not to be supplied to someone below that age
Standard Cinematic - DVD/VHS Certification Crossover
This is the crossover, or change, in cetificate that will happen when a film which has been shown in cinemas, is released on DVD/VHS, BUT this only applies if: 1. There is no extra material (bonuses, trailers, etc.) which is not appropriate to the main feature, and would cause it to receive a higher certificate. 2. The film has not been edited (material taken out etc.) in a way which would cause the main feature to receive a lower certificate. If the above information applies to a DVD/VHS release please see below the table.
The standard crossovers are as follows:
| Cinematic Certificate | DVD/VHS Certificate |
| G | G |
| PG | PG |
| 12A | 12 |
| 15A | 15 |
| 16 | TBC* |
| 18 | 18 |
* The standard crossover for "16" rated films is not yet known, as it was only launched in December 2004.
If the 2 rules above apply to a film's DVD/VHS release, then, generally, it will be re-rated completely, BUT this does not mean DVD/VHS certificates will always coincide, as occasionally (usually the DVD) one edition will contain extras which the other does not, causing one, to be re-rated, and the other to take a Standard Crossover, for instance a film which received a 15A certificate in cinemas may receive a 15 certificate on VHS but an 18 certificate on DVD, usually DVDs in these circumstances will carry a label on the reverse informing you of this.
Video Games
Unlike BBFC Oifig Scrúdóir na Scannán does NOT rate Video Games whatever the circumstance (i.e. the in the UK, BBFC rates games where certain criteria is met such as very graphic violence etc.) and Video Game ratings are left to PEGI whatever the content.