Mr. Joe Sweeney:

I do not know. That is for people in government to decide. If the Government decides to do that, retailers will implement that regulation. Our members do not do the dirty work of the cigarette companies. It is a terrible statement to make but we do the work of government. We implement regulation on behalf of the Government and we do a good job. That is what we have done and will continue to do. We fully support the Government in its initiatives and will continue to do so. Retailers are not responsible for the content of the product but we ensure the regulation governing it is implemented, particularly in the context of under age purchases.

Reference was made to packaging colours and so on. It is just cool to smoke for young people. They are not that influenced by the colour of packets and so on.

I was asked whether I believe smoking kills. I do and the evidence is there. A question was also asked about the profits made in poorer areas. I would say massive profits are made in these areas by illegal sellers. There is no question that they target the poorer areas and they make enormous profits. They are criminal, subversive elements and they are the evil element in the sale of cigarettes, not independent shopkeepers.