An industry group representing the mobile phone industry has rejected suggestions that mobile phones should be blocked in cinemas.
According to the Irish Cellular Industry Association (ICIA), which represents Irish mobile operators and handset maker Nokia, such a move would be impractical.
"While appreciating the concerns of those parties that are affected by the inappropriate use of mobile phones, it is the ICIA's view that the use of jammers or interceptors would be a drastic response, disproportionate to the issues identified," said Tommy McCabe, director of the ICIA.
He said that putting interceptors, designed to block all mobile calls except emergency calls, into venues could affect users in the surrounding area and would not ensure that those in the "blocked" zone would be restricted in all areas at all times.
"The lack of technical standards would introduce uncertainty and unpredictability in network performance," he said.