Michael Mulcahy (Dublin South Central, Fianna Fail)

I support the proposal for a 30 cent increase in the price of a packet of cigarettes. It is very difficult to decide on the amount by which one should increase excise on cigarettes. In last year's budget, there was a larger increase. I am aware of the issue of contraband. If the increase is too high, there will be more smuggling and more cigarettes will be sold on the black market. There is always a fine balance to be struck between what one wants to achieve socially and financially.

I am sure Deputy Stagg did not mean to say smoking is harmless or to send out that message. There should be a very clear message from everybody here that smoking is very bad for one's health and, therefore, I concur with those speakers who would, by and large, favour a larger increase in excise duties. As I say, contraband is one issue.

There is also the question of freedom of choice. I also support the principle that people have the freedom to choose whether they want to use cigarettes. As a society, we must never be too heavy-handed in telling people what they can and cannot do, as opposed to telling people what they should and should not do. In all the circumstances, I support the proposal from the Government.

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