Ms Kathleen O'Meara:

----- I say two things. We support what the Minister is considering regarding standardised packaging. That would greatly protect young people from the marketing tactics of the tobacco industry. We believe it would have a major impact. The second thing is price. We have carried out some focused research and the Irish Heart Foundation has done some focused-group research with young people. They are particularly price sensitive. I remind members that consumption has dropped in Ireland. We are at just under 22%, down from 29% and price is certainly having an impact. We urge members to back our proposal for a tax escalator of inflation plus 5%, which would be 60 cent this year. I thank the Chairman for his indulgence.