Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)

This section deals with the provisions required by duty free shops to avail of the opportunity to display signage associated with the sale of tobacco products which generally are in cartons of 200 in duty free shops. While this is welcome business for duty free shops it is right that we make the changes as identified in this amending legislation to allow that business to continue. It does not in any way impact on the desire of the State, which we share, to prevent young people taking up smoking.

The Minister of State and her predecessor, Deputy Wallace, accepted the bona fides of the airport authorities in attempting to continue their trade albeit with people who already smoke. That the cartons hold 200 and do not display the individual packets shown in the catchy advertising for cigarettes makes it acceptable, in line with the Government policy of trying to prevent people starting to smoke.

I acknowledge the tremendous efforts of the departmental officials in finding an appropriate amendment to the law to allow that trade to continue while at the same time protecting young people so they do not start to smoke. That is our focus and that of the Irish Cancer Society. I welcome this amending legislation.

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