Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome this measure, the announcement of which ties in with the Minister for Health's drive to achieve a tobacco-free Ireland by 2025. Those who are making their comments should be aware that a report published by the Minister for Health contained 66 recommendations in this regard. I compliment Deputy Micheál Martin for the approach he took on tobacco. It is time for a unified approach to take us from the smoking ban to a tobacco-free Ireland. I am disappointed by the cynical remarks of Deputy Mathews because price is an inhibitor. Price plays a role in tobacco consumption. As Deputy Doherty has said, we need a concerted effort to tackle tobacco consumption through education as well as dealing with smuggling and the illicit trade in cigarettes. We also need to examine the issue of plain packaging and how we can educate our young people.

Those who were opposed to the smoking ban should reflect on where we are today and the benefits that have accrued in the workplace. They should also consider the benefits to public health generally. This resolution must be viewed as a public health measure and I challenge those opposite to declare whether they are opposed to public health measures. Are they against the aim of driving people away from tobacco and smoking? Do they believe the tobacco industry is our friend? That industry employed almost 200 lobbyists last week to put pressure on members of the European Parliament in the context of tobacco controls. Let us be clear about the fact that 5,200 people die in this country every year from tobacco-related diseases. Is that to be our legacy on public health? This measure is a positive one which should be supported.

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