Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I, too, join other members in commending the Minister's initiative. It is important to draw attention to the major concern of members about the illicit trade in tobacco. Last June I attended a meeting in Cork of Retailers Against Smuggling in Cork, at which they highlighted a number of issues, including the loss of revenue to the State but, more importantly, the damage the composition of cigarettes could cause. I met the CEO of the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association who raised the issue of promotions. I hope that as a consequence of the Bill there will be no further promotional activities. It is important that, together with the Minister, we advocate for the promotion of health measures. In fact, as part of our work programme, representatives of the Irish Lung Health Alliance will come before us next Thursday. I hope we can work in tandem with the Minister and his Department in combating not only the harmful effects of smoking but also in tackling the issue of the illegal trade in cigarettes.