- For the rating template, see {{IFCO}}.
| Established: | 1923 |
| Acting Director of Film Classification: | Ger Connolly |
| Deputy Director: | vacant |
| Budget: | Unknown |
| Employees: | 21 |
The Irish Film Classification Office (IFCO) (Irish: Oifig Aicmithe Scannán na h-Éireann) is the organisation responsible for film and some video game classification and censorship within the Republic of Ireland. Where restrictions are placed by the IFCO, they are legally binding. The office was formerly referred to as the Irish Film Censor's Office.
Certificates
Cinematic certificates
The current cinematic certificates that are issued are:
- G - General - Suitable for all
- PG - Parental Guidance - 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
NOTE: In "12A" and "15A" the "A" denotes "Adult".
Video games
Unlike the BBFC in the UK, which rates video games that meet certain criteria (such as very graphic violence), the Irish Film Classification Office does not usually rate video games, leaving ratings to PEGI, unless the game's content is deemed prohibitable under section 3 (1) of the Act. Games rated by the IFCO include Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty and Manhunt, which were given 15 and 18 ratings, respectively.
Despite the lack of legally binding ratings, most (if not all) video game retailers attempt to prohibit the sale of PEGI 18+ rated games to people under the age of 18, and prior to PEGI ratings the same was done with BBFC 18 ratings on games (the same packaging is usually used in games sold in Ireland as in the UK).
The first prohibition notice for a video game was issued for Manhunt 2 in 2007, a game which is also banned by the BBFC. [1].
