Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the delegates from the Garda Síochána, the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, the HSE and their staff to the meeting. One in ever two smokers dies of a smoking-related illness.

It is shocking. We are dealing with an industry of death and for it to continue, it is necessary for it every hour of every day to get additional young people addicted to tobacco. I support the legislation promoted by the Minister and supported the targeting of young people to help prevent more of them becoming addicted to tobacco and reduce consumption overall.

I need confirmation from all agencies, including the Revenue Commissioners, the Garda Síochána and the HSE, that the introduction of plain packaging will not damage the campaign against the illicit tobacco trade. I also ask them to comment on the idea that the use of plain packaging will make enforcement easier. I believe it will not damage the campaign against the illicit tobacco trade and that it will make enforcement easier, but I would like the agencies present to respond to these questions. Can any or all of them comment on the involvement of tobacco companies in the illicit trade? There is a suggestion many countries are being oversupplied by the tobacco companies for re-export to other areas on an illicit basis. I seek clarification of the reduction in the number of cigarettes seized from 178 million in 2010 to 41 million in 2013.

I refer to the current penalties and those provided for in the Bill. Are the agencies satisfied that the penalties provided for are adequate and sufficient to deal with the problem?

The Garda Síochána referred to street level offenders, sales at fairs and car boot sales. There is a perception that there is little or no action being taken at this level. I am not sure the perception is the reality, but there is that perception and I would like a comment on it.