Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Unpopular as it might seem to be, I am totally opposed to the measure because of the last point to which the Tánaiste referred, namely, that constantly increasing the price of cigarettes only increases the amount of illegal tobacco sold every week in this country. On the plain packaging proposal, I appreciate very much what the Government is trying to do in its drive to stop additional young people smoking. That is of vital importance. However, I do not agree with constantly raising the price of tobacco as it is making this country a haven for the illegal importation and sale of tobacco products by unscrupulous gangs who make enormous sums of money every week. That is the reason I am against what the Government proposes.

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