Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the two previous speakers. A health committee must be very careful about what it says and does and what message it sends out in terms of adherence to good practice. The issue that has arisen in this particular case concerns the space devoted to warning people who might consume alcohol. That is understandable. I presume Irish products are no more carcinogenic than products from the United States, France or any other country in Europe or outside it. The worry is that perhaps the impression might be given abroad that Irish products are particularly harmful when other products constitute a similar threat. We accept that warnings are required on labelling but we must be sure that goods imported into this country by competitors carry the same level of warning and I am not certain we can enforce that.

I have not gone through the directives and even though I can remember most things I do not remember the detail of the relevant one off the top of my head. It is sad. I agree in principle but I add a note of caution on the inherent danger. It is a bit like the proposal for a capital transaction tax. It is great if everybody does it. I have no problem with that at all. If it is done by everybody right across the board, including for imported goods, we are then on an even footing. However, if it is only applicable to us in this jurisdiction, notwithstanding the directive, then we could place ourselves at a disadvantage. All in all, I am supportive of the health element of the proposal as referred to by my colleagues.