asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the precarious and deteriorating financial position of cinema proprietors, particularly those operating suburban and second-run cinemas; and if he will provide immediate relief of entertainment duty.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cinema Entertainment Duty.
3.
I have already received representations on this subject from cinema proprietors and I will bear these in mind when I am framing the forthcoming Budget. In the meantime, I am not prepared to make any changes in the entertainments duty.
Is the Minister aware that several Dublin cinemas are on the brink of closure because of the falling-off in attendances due to television? There are upwards of 1,000 employed in the industry, some of whose jobs are in jeopardy. Would the Minister not consider the desirability of making an early statement to allay the anxieties of those who are justifiably concerned about the future of their jobs?
I am meeting the representatives in private next week.