Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I apologise but had to go to the Dáil for a few moments. I will not detain the witnesses. We must be very clear on the issue. If we suspended the meeting and headed to Moore Street or O'Connell Street, I could openly buy a pack of illegal cigarettes. We are trying to discourage people from smoking by increasing the price of tobacco and making it less attractive. That is a public health policy. The Department of Health should be very concerned about the number of illegal cigarettes on the street; it should be more concerned than the Departments of Justice and Equality or Finance because it is, fundamentally, a public health issue. It is fine to say it is a matter for the Department of Justice and Equality or Customs and Excise but if they are not being as forceful as they should be, it undermines the Department of Health's public health policy.