James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am delighted to be here to resume the legislative process for what I believe to be very significant and important legislation. We left this Bill on Second Stage in the Dáil in July 2014. This was to ensure that we allowed for the member states to consider the legislation under the technical standards process. This process is now complete and so the Bill can continue its journey through the House.

In 2013 I announced the intention to draft legislation to introduce this measure. The Government approved and fully supported this approach. At that time Ireland was the first and only country in Europe committed to introducing this measure. Since that time I am very pleased to say that a number of countries are following Australia and Ireland's example in this regard. New Zealand is developing legislation. The UK Government announced its intention in January to proceed with regulations. France, Norway and Finland have all indicated their intention to consider introducing standardised packaging in the future.

Ireland has always been a leader in tobacco control measures. We can be proud of the path we have forged in the area of tobacco legislation. We can be proud of the influence we have on other countries to follow us in this regard. It is important, however, to realise that the battle against these harmful tobacco products is not yet complete and will not be complete until we can significantly reduce the numbers of young people starting to smoke. Some 12% of children aged between ten and 17 years are reported as current smokers. While the number of young people smoking has dropped considerably over the years, 12% is an unacceptable figure.

Members will have heard the arguments put by the tobacco industry: standardised packaging does not work, it will increase illicit trade, and Ireland should focus on educating young people about the harms of cigarettes. We know from research that branded tobacco packaging is a critically important part of tobacco promotion. We know that health warnings are more effective on plain backgrounds. We know that standardised packs are less attractive and less appealing to consumers, particularly children. This is a significant evidence base and it is showing us that standardised packaging works. Evidence from Australia shows it is working. Evidence from Australia has completely undermined the tobacco industry arguments. Misrepresentation of evidence by the tobacco industry is a well-recognised tactic. Another is the threat of legal challenges. While a legal challenge by the tobacco industry cannot be ruled out - I say that very much with tongue in cheek - I am very confident that the research available to us demonstrates that standardised packaging will have a positive impact on health and that it is a proportionate and justified measure. The threat of legal challenges should not be an obstacle to progressing public health policies. We must press on with our mission to make Ireland tobacco-free by 2025.

As regards educating our young people about the harms of tobacco, we are already doing this. Standardised packaging is one of a number of measures which combined will stop our young people smoking. It is the combination of past, present and future tobacco control measures that will reduce tobacco consumption. However, standardised packaging is very important as it is the next step in tackling tobacco advertising and promotion specifically.

Before we move to deal with the amendments proposed, I wish to indicate that I will be bringing some technical drafting amendments to the Bill on Report Stage. I thank Members for their participation on Committee Stage. I look forward to hearing Deputy Billy Kelleher speak on his amendments and the contributions of other members of the committee.