Catherine Noone (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Over the past few weeks, I said I would welcome the clarity the referendum would bring. I especially welcomed the type of clarity it has brought. In fairness to the Government, including the Taoiseach, it put the matter to the people having said it would do so. I agree with other speakers in that regard. We are here and have a job to do. There will be much discussion about reform over the coming weeks but we must get on with the business of the House. Next week's budget needs to be debated in the House. I do not see why it could not be debated on Thursday. Senators will have plenty of suggestions on the budget and, perhaps, they will have objections.

With regard to the proposed sugar tax, the Royal College of Surgeons, backed by the Irish Heart Foundation, has today suggested a 20% sugar tax on sweetened drinks. Professor Donal O'Shea believes the tax, in itself, would have a significant impact on childhood obesity. Obviously, it is not just a question of that tax or of taxing more because I would be in favour of lowering the tax on certain healthy foods to lower the overall cost to already hard-pressed consumers. Obesity is killing 6,000 people per annum in the country. While I acknowledge that implementing a sugar tax such as the one proposed will not solve the problem and that education will comprise a considerable part of the solution, it is an example of a measure I would like to discuss in the House in advance of the budget.

I welcome the measures introduced by the European Parliament today. Certain measures designed to discourage cigarette smoking have been brought in very conclusively. Menthol cigarettes will be outlawed and 65% of the service area of cigarette packaging will be covered with health warnings, including imagery. Fine Gael MEPs have been pushing for a proportion of 75%. I welcome the measure as it is very significant.