asked the Minister for Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he is satisfied that the allocation system now operating in relation to the distribution of films to the film business in Ireland is satisfactory and that the big exhibitors do not have an unfair advantage over the small operators; and if he will make arrangements so that all involved in the showing of films in this country get equal treatment in so far as the distribution of films is concerned.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Film Distribution.
6.
The question of supply and distribution of cinema films in Ireland has already been the subject of a public inquiry carried out by the Restrictive Practices Commission under section 5 of the Restrictive Practices Act, 1972. The commission's findings and recommendations were that conditions in the trade were not such as to warrant the making of a ministerial order under the 1972 Act.
In particular the commission found that the major cinema groups and distributors were not party to any agreements designed to create monopolies in Dublin city centre. Neither did they find that the terms of rental applied to different cinemas by various renters, while varying in different locations and situation, were unfairly discriminatory. Furthermore, their examination of the accounts of the principal cinema companies did not lend support to a conclusion that terms had been unfairly discriminatory. In the circumstances I do not feel that any further action is necessary in this area.
Would the Minister agree that there is virtually a monopoly situation existing amongst exhibitors in the city at present with the take-over of some other concerns in the recent past? While the statistics might not be exact to the last exhibitor, this would mean that it would represent something like 77 screens in the control of one operation, as against 170 odd in the whole country, thereby entailing virtually a monopoly situation. Would the Minister agree also that individual owners are finding it extraordinarily difficult to gain access to first rate films? Would he not think that that requires some ministerial action?
The information available to me is contrary to that described by the Deputy. This whole matter was the subject of a public inquiry. The findings of that inquiry clearly demonstrated that no action was necessary or desirable. I am not aware of any significant change in the situation since then.
I would have to put it to the Minister that the situation has altered significantly since that review was undertaken by the Restrictive Practices Commission. I would say to the Minister now that there is an urgent need to review the allocation system for individual exhibitors and owners throughout the country. In the interests of ensuring fair play to all concerned, renters and exhibitors, would the Minister take another look at it and update the Restrictive Practices Commission report in the light of recent takeovers? Would he undertake even to review the situation?
There is no evidence available to me that would justify any action at this point.
If I can make evidence available to the Minister that the situation has altered significantly in the recent past will he then give an undertaking to review the situation?
Any submission on any matter which the Deputy would care to make would be very seriously considered by me.