James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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We must be clear and calm about this issue. This is a very serious public health measure on which we will not be deterred by anybody. Irish people have a right to self-determination and the role of Members is to represent them. The vast bulk of Irish people support our position on this matter. This affords me an opportunity to consult my iPad to cite the findings of a survey conducted by Ipsos MRBI on behalf of the Irish Cancer Society, the Irish Heart Foundation, the Irish Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Children, Barnardos, the Children's Rights Alliance, the Asthma Society of Ireland, the Irish Heart Foundation, the Irish Cancer Society, ASH Ireland and the Irish Thoracic Society. A news release on the survey findings states:

The new law is being introduced to protect children’s health by inserting large graphic warnings of the fatal consequences of smoking on cigarette packs and making it illegal for tobacco companies to use colour, text and packet size to market cigarettes. The study shows that whilst the plain packs have the backing of 74% of non-smokers, a majority of smokers are also in favour, with 58% supporting the Government legislation which is due to come into force next year.

The Chairman will be pleased to note that the highest regional support for the plan was in Munster and Leinster, outside Dublin, where support stood at 74%. Men, at 73%, were also more supportive of the legislation than women, at 69%. People are with us on this issue because they are wise and know the harm done by cigarettes. They have experienced scenes similar to those I described from experience, not only throughout my professional life but also in my personal life. They know the harm this product causes and want their children to be protected. I fully accept that the legislation may not cause everyone who is so addicted to cigarette smoking to give up cigarettes. However, a survey conducted in Canada after graphic warnings were introduced found a fourfold increase in the number of smokers expressing a desire to quit.
Senator Crown referred to the Bill on smoking in cars. While I and my Department fully support the legislation, we are trying to get through a significant number of Bills. I must give priority to this legislation because it is of critical importance. As licensing is part of the budgetary consideration, it must be implemented. There is no slouching on this matter and nobody is holding back on the Bill on smoking in cars. The Attorney General is working through a number of technical difficulties in the legislation. I may seek additional support for the tobacco unit in terms of drafting capability because we have a great deal of work on our plate.

Deputy Troy referred to 6,000 submissions received by the Department. The chief medical officer will address this issue. As far as I am aware, it was the European Union, rather than my Department, which sought submissions. It is appropriate that the Deputy raises the issue because it is another ploy used by the tobacco industry as it seeks to have as many people as possible make as many submissions as possible in order to deluge the Department and slow down the process. Every year produces countless billions of euro in profit for the industry and another 700,000 deaths in Europe from tobacco related illness. The tobacco industry knows that if Ireland succeeds, which we will, England, Scotland, France and the rest of the Europe will not be far behind. This is what scares it and the United States is not ignoring what we are doing either.

Deputy Troy also noted that the 82% of the surface area of cigarette packs is covered in Australia compared to 65% here. I have already discussed in detail our view that this Bill must stand and should not be allowed to fall on technicalities. For this reason, we are keeping the surface area to be covered within the range agreed in the European directive. As such, we cannot be challenged on that front. Australia is an independent island and law unto itself, although Australians would probably prefer to have their country described as a large continent. In any event, it is a large continent surrounded by water. The bottom line is that it has sole jurisdiction in this matter and does not have to be joined in EU law.

I have addressed the issue of the illegal trade in tobacco which the Deputy also raised. This is a matter for the Revenue and Department of Justice and Equality to pursue. However, if cigarette packets are uniform and one colour, it will be easy to spot packets that are different from the norm and people will be asked how they got them.

Deputy Catherine Byrne referred to the cost of providing nicotine replacement therapy for pregnant women. As a doctor, I would like it to be made available to pregnant women. We have an excellent antenatal care scheme which brings women into regular contact with health professionals during the course of a pregnancy. It would be a great way to start a campaign of getting off and staying off cigarettes. If women can stop smoking during their pregnancy, the chances that they will stay off them after the baby is born are very high. Pregnancy is a time when many women stop smoking.