asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the serious financial difficulties of owners of second-run cinemas by reason of the falling-off in attendances since the advent of television; and if he will alleviate their position by providing concessions on entertainment duty on a differential scale in favour of second-run cinemas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Difficulties of Second-run Cinemas.
8.
I am aware that there has been a deterioration in the trading position of cinemas generally in recent years. The entertainments duty concessions granted in 1958, 1959 and 1960, which have reduced the current revenue yield to little more than half of what it was in 1956/57, were designed to ease the difficulties of the cinema proprietors. I should have liked to continue the process this year but was unable to do so in the prevailing budgetary conditions.
Is the Minister aware that four cinemas have had to close in the Dublin area within the past two years? Is he further aware that no less than 14 cinemas closed in Belfast shortly after the advent of television there? Would he treat as a matter of urgency the question of alleviating the difficulties of these people?
The Minister will agree that when Irish television is introduced it is certain to have an adverse effect on the cinemas here. Surely the Minister could give us some information about what the position will be when he gets revenue from television licences? Will he not then reconsider the question of the cinemas? Will the Minister not get relief from television licences?
Not sufficiently.
Half the people with sets do not get good reception now but they will get good reception from Irish television. It will have a serious effect.
Is this a debate?
Could the Minister not ad interim consider the very restricted number of cinemas referred to in this question, the second-run cinemas, lest they be forced to close their doors before the Minister has had time to review the general question of cinemas of all categories in the light of the television situation?
I am meeting the representatives of the cinemas on Monday next to discuss all these matters with them.
Might I inquire when that invitation issued?
It was in reply to a request of about three months ago. It was issued the day the strike was over.
Not since Deputy Byrne put down his question?
No, Fine Gael had no interest in it.
The coincidence was remarkable.