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

The difference between smoking cigarettes or cigar and pipe smoking is that an instrument is involved. The tobacco is placed in a utility, whereas there is direct oral engagement in smoking cigarettes and cigars. Given that the Minister is proposing to address the issue of the presentation of the tobacco product, has he an example of how pipe tobacco will be presented? We have the example of the presentation of the cigarette. How does he envisage pipe tobacco will be presented given that it takes a variety of different shapes and sizes and can come in a plug, a tin, pre-cut or uncut? As far as I can see, packaging is not provided for in any standardised way. The Minister is quite specific on the packaging of cigarettes. Has he considered the impact of the legislation in respect of pipe tobacco products? I would not want to see anyone encouraged to take up pipe smoking. I do not see that risk as a by-product of the Bill's intent of ameliorating the effects of tobacco across the board. I cannot for a moment imagine young people starting to light up pipes. In my view, thankfully, that is most unlikely. The numbers who smoke a pipe are declining. It is a fact of life. The outlets that I am speaking of provide an array of products for people who have this interest and smoke pipe tobacco. Obviously there will be a concern about the viability of those retail outlets and the employment they provide. Can the Minister be more specific about pipe tobacco as the position is not clear from the Bill?.