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

I move amendment No. 4:

In page 8, line 35, after "shape” to insert the following:"being not more and not less than a height of 8.5 centimetres, a width of 5.5 centimetres and a depth of 2 centimetres".

We have probably had a similar debate in the context of alcohol advertising and all that flows from it. Companies want to be able to stand out from the crowd on the shelf when selling a product. There is an issue with regard to the shape and size of a tobacco product or the packaging. We know there has been a move towards different sizes and types of boxes; for example, there is a lipstick-style box and so-called nano packaging. These are primarily targeted at young females in society. Companies obviously would make a calculated decision in the research context that these slim or extended packs are attractive and encourage young women and girls to start smoking. We want to make the regulation as watertight as possible and I know the Minister has already thought of this. I would be failing in my duty if I did not raise this in the context of existing concerns. These packs could diminish what the legislation is trying to achieve, which is to make cigarettes bland and unattractive so as not to stand out from the crowd. It is about ensuring that people are aware of the harm they will cause if consumed. The deficiency in the legislation which could allow for those lipstick-type and nano packages on the shelves could lead to this being a retrograde step. The tobacco companies have plenty of finance for research and I am sure they will move to this area very quickly. One can see, even if one is not out too late, cigarettes from such packages being consumed primarily by younger female smokers. Does the Minister have a response on the issue?