Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party) | Oireachtas source

Every year, I oppose this measure. I do so again this year and I intend to call a vote. I oppose 40 cent added to the price of 20 cigarettes because it is monumental hypocrisy for the Government to pretend this is primarily a health measure. It is no such thing and it is yet another naked revenue grab under the cover of health. The same Government put the interests of the financial markets, the bankers and the bondholders above people's health over the past three and half years, as did its predecessor Government composed of Fianna Fáil and the Green Party. The Government has also seen serious problems for our ordinary people in the health care system, yet it has the audacity to pretend this major increase is in the interest of the nation's health. It is another austerity measure.

I detest the cigarette companies and the cigarette industry. The major cigarette and tobacco corporations have made incredible profits on the back of addiction, and have cultivated, promoted and thrived on addiction. Cigarette companies are ruthless profit seekers and should be opposed at every turn. In fact, they should be nationalised and taken into public ownership. Then, policies could be developed. The Minister for Health should listen for a change.

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