Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor should listen to some of the facts, for once. She is the one who was always talking about heckling people. Let us cool down and have a bit of respect for people.

There are many modern ventilation systems that allow for 12 air changes per 60 minutes. Previous Ministers shied away from this fact, claiming in a previous debate that outdated technology allowing for one air change per house was ineffective. We have moved beyond the old technology and have specified 12 air changes per house for many years. Pubs all over Ireland are certified by the HSE as a result of a six-year clean-air initiative in pubs. These are issues that have not been mentioned at all in the debate, and it is right that they be mentioned. They are mentioned in public houses and community facilities all over the country.

Studies point to the efficiency of ventilation equipment. Research by the University of Glamorgan shows that ventilation can be highly effective in protecting bar staff and customers from the adverse effects of environmental tobacco smoke. Consider a study from Tennessee in the United States, for example. The Oak Ridge National Library's study of restaurant and tavern workers in 16 cities, and over 1,500 subjects, concludes: "A well-known toxicological principle is that the poison is in the dose", and that "It's pretty clear that the environmental tobacco smoke dose is pretty low for most people". A study carried out on environmental tobacco smoke levels in the Black Dog Pub near Toronto in Canada indicated that "ETS component concentrations in the nonsmoking section of the facility in question were not statistically different [...] from those measured in similar facilities where smoking is prohibited". These quotations are from reports from the United States and Canada. These issues should be considered in an honest way. If the Minister proves me wrong tomorrow morning based on independent research, I will accept it. However, he should not make sweeping statements and outline statistics while expecting all the world to go happy-clappy and follow him down the road. We made that mistake in the past regarding other issues.

We should not be shying away from the issue of taxation. A packet of 26 cigarettes costs €9.30 at present. Of this, €7.31 is paid in excise duty and VAT. This amounts to a tax rate of 79%. One should consider the important contribution smokers are making to the Exchequer. These matters should be examined in a balanced way.

The Minister is very concerned about crime. Since the Government got into power, activity in the illegal cigarette trade is increasing. Owing to the high cost of cigarettes, people are getting involved in smuggling. We hear that some criminal drug-trading gangs believe there is a better market for illegal cigarettes than heroin and cocaine.

See this speech in context