Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Oct 1994

Vol. 446 No. 4

Written Answers. - Film Exhibition Period.

John Bruton

Question:

122 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if film distributors in Ireland operate a minimum exhibition period of four weeks; his views on the finding of the British Monopolies and Mergers Commission that this rule makes it more difficult for small or independent cinema operators to obtain popular films, to the disadvantage of the cinema-going public; and, if so, if he will ask the competition authority to take action on the matter. [1371/94]

Minister for Enterprise and Employment (Mr. Quinn)

I am not aware that the minimum exhibition period operated by film distributors in Ireland has given rise to any competition problems. I have received no complaints from the industry or the cinema-going public in this regard. I understand that one notification relating to film distribution was made to the Competition Authority in 1992 but was subsequently withdrawn.

The Competition (Amendment) Bill, 1994, proposes to give powers of enforcement to the Competition Authority. If the Deputy has information on a particular problem in this sector the may wish to consider bringing it to the attention of the authority in due course.