Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I do not think iPads interfere with the sound system in the same way. As a State, we have an obligation to try to protect all our citizens. I remind Mr. Mallon that this includes adults as well as children.

Adults who are ill also generate additional costs as it costs the State money to treat people who have acquired illnesses or diseases through smoking. There are many reasons the State should take aggressive action to discourage people from starting smoking and encourage smokers to stop.

The key issue is that tobacco is an addictive substance and one cannot, therefore, speak of smoking being a rational decision. Heroin addicts do not want to stand on O'Connell Bridge in the wind and rain. They do so because they are addicts. I smoke from time to time and struggle with the addiction. It is better if one does not start to smoke. It is possible that Mr. Mallon's childhood friendship would last even longer if he had not chosen to smoke for the past 44 years.