Fianna Fáil has introduced laws to the Dáil to abolish the censorship of publications board, saying it has outdated having not banned a book since 2003.

The board is without full membership and only one book has been referred to it in the past five years - "Laura" which was written by Justice Minister Alan Shatter in the 1980s.

The government says it seems sensible to abolish the board, but that it is more complex than just repealing the laws.

Justice spokesman Niall Collins says this is a quango that should go as society has moved on.

Watch below, as TDs and Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte struggled to keep a straight face throughout Dail debate.