Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)

I had not planned to speak on resolution No. 3 but changed my mind after hearing the contributions. Even if one increased the price of cigarettes to €10 a packet, a sizeable proportion of the population would not be discouraged. If we are to address the issue, we must engage in new thinking. I know that the former Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Martin, was complimented on introducing the smoking ban, which has undoubtedly reduced the numbers of those who smoke, especially among older people. However, it has encouraged young people to smoke, and statistics show an increase in smoking among that group. One need only visit a night club any weekend of the year to see why. If we are serious, we must admit that putting 50 cent on a packet of cigarettes is not the magic bullet that will solve the problem of smoking. It is about time we got real in that regard.

My main reason for taking the floor was to speak on the second resolution, regarding excise duty. I welcome the decision, since it will provide some relief to many families under great financial pressure. It will eradicate the laundering of home heating oil across the Border, something extremely welcome in itself. I know that my colleague, Deputy Crawford, has raised the issue numerous times in the House in the context of the chemical residue following cross-Border fuel-laundering.

However, I am disappointed that we are not considering the extension of excise relief on bio-fuels. The Minister must be commended for the incentives put in place for the agriculture sector to grow energy crops. However, there is not much point in doing so if there is no market for them, and the budget does nothing to create such a market. It is disappointing that we did not introduce excise relief across the board for renewable fuels, whether home heating oil or vehicle oil.

I know that the Progressive Democrats closely followed our policy document on renewable energy.

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