Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support the measure before the House. I compliment the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy James Reilly, who has responsibility for public health on the work he has done in tackling smoking in his current post and in the one he held previously. This is not just a money-raising exercise. It mirrors the action taken in the context of plain packaging and television advertising. The Minister referred to the advertisement filmed by the late Mr. Gerry Collins before he died. I take the opportunity to thank Mr. Collins and his family for it. The advertisement in question is very hard-hitting and I have no doubt that people who see it think twice about taking a cigarette into their hands.

A huge number of people smoke e-cigarettes. This is a matter on which I have commented in the past and with which I have no difficulty in dealing whatsoever. I would, however, like the Minister to regulate the sale of e-cigarettes and follow the example of other countries which have taken action in this regard. I received major criticism last year when I called for the regulation of e-cigarettes.

Deputy Niall Collins referred to the trade in illegal cigarettes. I acknowledge the great work done by the Customs service at Rosslare Europort in intercepting those seeking to import illegal cigarettes. I would like more money to be allocated to the Customs service and more personnel to be deployed there and at other ports throughout the country in order that we might stop the importation of illegal cigarettes.

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