Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Not for the first time have I made these points on the floor of this House. I believe that in the absence of complementary measures to tackle the illegal tobacco trade, this measure becomes simply a revenue generating measure and that while it might dissuade some from taking up smoking or continuing their habit, it will undoubtedly drive more into the hands of the criminal gangs engaged in the smuggling and sale of contraband and illegal imported tobacco products.

This measure should be a consideration primarily on health grounds. The serious cost that tobacco smoking exacts from our already stretched budget annually tells us that this is not just a revenue gained or revenue lost issue. The real cost is seen in the day-to-day efforts of health service providers as they battle to address the human ravages of tobacco smoking. Other issues include the suffering of the user and their family and loved ones and so often their grief.

We put forward a proposal for a 20 cent increase in our alternative budget proposals. We are committed to using every measure to dissuade people from continuing with the smoking habit or, God forbid, even taking it up. This is where we need to concentrate. We need to dissuade people, especially young people, from starting to smoke. It is essential that we balance that commitment by tackling the illegal tobacco trade in this country head on. I mean that in the strongest possible terms. It is essential we do not find ourselves putting 50 cent on a pack of 20 cigarettes and driving countless smokers into the hands of greedy criminals operating in and peddling their wares across Dublin city and other urban centres throughout the State.

It is inadequate as it stands. While the 50 cent increase may dissuade some because it might be particularly staggering, and I hope it is, as a measure designed to achieve what I believe we are all committed to achieving, it is fundamentally flawed because it is not the full package, no pun intended. It is essential that measures are introduced to tackle the illegal tobacco industry in all its guises and with the understanding that some of the world's largest legitimate tobacco manufacturers might be involved in that trade. There is ample evidence to suggest that this is the case and at the end of the day, they will sell their wares either through retail outlets or on the streets of our capital city and will be at no loss. That is not good enough.

See this speech in context