Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I note what the Minister has said and record my support for the passage of the Bill. As I indicated on Second Stage, I would welcome any further restriction of the promotion of tobacco products. I wholeheartedly endorse the Minister's efforts in that regard. I also expressed my disappointment and concern at the EU directive on the right of the State to impose a pricing regime, which was deemed to be not permissible. We have been directed to pull back from that position, which is most unfortunate. The idea behind the directive allegedly was to facilitate greater competition. If this is applicable across the board in the case of all tobacco products, with what are they competing? My clear understanding is that the consequence of the directive was to remove a critical element of State intervention in setting the price of tobacco products for consumers, which is an integral part of the dissuasion in which we should be proactively involved. I again note that this does not preclude address through financial measures such as taxation, but that is another day's work. I had hoped to be able to table an amendment, but as I have indicated, unfortunately, an amendment proposed by a mere Opposition Deputy will not carry the day, given that an EU directive is in situ. Much as I would like to have it overturned, I have had to concede on the matter and there are no permissible amendments to discuss as a consequence. I wish the Minister a fair wind in dealing with the remaining Stages of this welcome legislation.