The five-member Censorship of Publications Board is chaired by a barrister, Mr James Ridge. Mr Ridge was appointed for a second term on the board by the then Minister for Justice, Ms Nora Owen, in February 1997. The other members of the board were appointed on the same date. They are Mr Patrick Fitzgerald, a barrister; Mr John Fanagan and Ms Philomena Donnelly, both teachers; and a journalist, Ms Kay Ryan.
Four members of the board make up a quorum. If more than one member votes against making a censorship order, then the complaint fails.
Decisions made by the board can be appealed to the Censorship of Publications Appeal Board. This board is chaired by Mr George Bermingham, who is also a barrister. The other members of the appeal board are: Mr Thomas Heffernan, barrister; Mr Seamus Maguire, Ms Joanne Harman and Ms Muriel McNicholas.