Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 13 March 2013

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality

Black Market: Discussion with National Federation of Retail Newsagents

2:25 pm

Photo of Martin ConwayMartin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I should declare an interest in that I am retailer. I may even be a member of the National Federation of Retail Newsagents, but I am not sure. Ms Drennan's presentation was remarkable. We have had a lot of presentations at this committee since I joined it two years ago. The contents were remarkable, as was the offer on the table. I presume Ms Drennan has costed these port-scanners and applications. I am glad she is in a position to do that and I am sure she will be greeted with an open door.

I would not necessarily agree with her conclusion that it is those over 30 who purchase cigarettes in shops. I am not sure if she is familiar with the work being undertaken by Senator John Crown. He wants cigarettes to be banned completely in this country by 2030. I concur with that position. It breaks my heart to see the number of people smoking and the amount of cigarettes being purchased legally and illegally. It is costing this country billions in health care provision annually. We should eliminate smuggling. All elements in society should work diligently to encourage people to stop smoking.

What does Ms Drennan think of cigarette companies selling packs of 23 at a cheaper price per cigarette than a packet of 20? That is promoting and discounting the sale of cigarettes. What does Ms Drennan think of incentives being offered to retailers, particularly staff in retail shops? If the sale of a certain product is increased, the staff receive vouchers. I think that is horrendous. When cigarette companies made my management aware of that, they were almost run out of the place.

We may talk about illegal cigarettes, which is an issue, but there is an overall societal responsibility. I would like to hear Ms Drennan's thoughts on that.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.