John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)

I am not a smoker.

We had a debate earlier about the competitiveness of the economy and inflation. It is important to point out that this product plays a significant part in the consumer price index. I agree wholeheartedly with what Deputy Stagg said. We should remove this product from the consumer price index. The type of approach the Deputy suggested, which would be hugely beneficial from a health point of view, could be taken without having an adverse effect on the economy. If we leave this product in the basket of goods which make up the consumer price index, then we cannot do what the Deputy suggests without other consequential effects which we cannot determine. I agree with the principle of what the Deputy suggested but I support the resolution.

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