Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses. I am encouraged that there is not outright opposition to the purpose of the legislation. Even though people are coming to the issue from a variety of experiences and responsibilities in life, I believe there is a shared acceptance that we have to work towards the best situation possible, not only for the current generations but also for the future of humankind.

Having listened to the presentations and read the submissions carefully, I note that we share the same opinion. I apologise that I will not have enough time to deal with both presentations. I welcome Ms Buckley's presentation on behalf of RGDATA and thank her for her practical points. This is the health committee and our natural position and disposition is to seek whatever measures will help to improve public health. I know there are other considerations from each of the delegations' perspectives which have to be noted, respected and addressed. The contributions will help us in whatever engagement we will have with the Minister and the Government when dealing with legislation. I concur that there is a need for strong enforcement action against the black market and contraband sales; this position is shared by all members of the committee. Any legislative measure should apply in equal measure in dealing with the importation of tobacco products. This is also reflected in the positions articulated by Mr. Joe Sweeney and Mr. Vincent Jennings who represent the respective bodies, the National Federation of Retail Newsagents Ireland and the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association. There has to be an acceptance that, in tandem with this address, there is a need for a reduction in the travel personal allowance in bringing tobacco products into the country. I note that both Mr. Sweeney and Mr. Jennings have made this point.

Ms Buckley has highlighted the risks associated with staff stocking different brands of cigarettes in the gantries for retail sale. Others may blow me out of the water, but I welcome the highlighting of practical issues that will facilitate workers in the retail sector in managing the sale of tobacco. I wish there were fewer consumers of tobacco products, but for the time being, whomever they may be, at least they would be sure of being sold the brand for which they were paying.

I agree with Mr. Sweeney that tobacco products should be confined to legitimate retail outlets and that the sale of tobacco products at illicit or locations of questionable status such as markets and fairs should cease and needs to be addressed in legislation. Landowners or landlords who provide facilities for the sale of illicit products must be held accountable for their hosting of such activities. I expect all this product is imported illegally. I concur with the view that there is inadequate provision of scanners to address the problem at ports and I speak from the perspective of the island of Ireland. We must ensure scanners are permanently located at the ports rather than depend on the use of mobile scanners which catch people one day but not the next.

I agree that the personal travel allowance for tobacco products should be significantly reduced. It is interesting that Mr. Jennings made the point about retailers being able to collectively bargain with suppliers. I am at one on that point. He has said retailers need to be provided with assistance to prepare the ground for a tobacco-free Ireland. I do not know if I will live to see it, but it is an aspiration of mine that I would like to see more people ceasing to smoke. That is the real objective. Retailers in the legitimate retail business should have their position taken into account by the Government when progressing this objective, an objective which I support completely. I thank the delegates very much and I am sorry that the bell has rung as I must conclude.