Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)

The measure will probably have a positive effect in so far as it will discourage potential new smokers. If the price of cigarettes was prohibitive, it would probably have that effect. However, if one is a committed smoker, it will not change one's behaviour at all. If it is proposed as a health measure, the Government must look at the issue of smoking cessation. If some of these moneys could be diverted to smoking cessation measures, then perhaps it would be seen as a more productive move.

I also urge the Government to look at nicotine replacement substances, such as gums and patches, which are very prohibitively priced. Their sale is also restricted in that they are only available in pharmacies, although they are widely available in supermarkets and multiples in other mainland European countries. If one is to discourage people from smoking, one needs to look at the distribution of those products as well.

See this speech in context