Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I may meet the Minister during his next visit to Tipperary.

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate on the Bill which will amend the legislation on tobacco in order that we might comply with the judgment handed down by the European Court of Justice in respect of minimum and maximum pricing. I compliment the Minister on his contribution and stated intention to use our Presidency of the European Union to try to deal with this most serious and grave matter.

Tobacco is a scourge. I do not intend to criticise those who smoke, particularly those such as my colleague, Deputy Finian McGrath, who have done so for decades, because it is an extremely difficult habit to give up.

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