Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I strongly oppose the measure to raise the tax on tobacco. Smokers, some 20% of the population, are a soft target and they are being hammered. There are no arguments with the health issue but the economic arguments have to be looked at. Colleagues spoke about lost revenue of up to €1 billion through smuggling and small retailers are telling us they are suffering very badly. Smuggling and gangland crime are even more serious issues and many drug dealers are moving into illegal cigarettes. They are getting away from drugs but making major money.

We need a strong health education programme. Addiction is a problem in this country - I am one of the smokers and I accept that. However, when one sees people on wheelchairs being wheeled out of hospital to the edge of the hospital grounds to have a smoke, or mental health patients getting very stressed over the fact that they cannot have a cigarette, then we have to look at what is happening in society.

I strongly oppose this measure because it is picking on an easy target. It is claimed it will raise €61 million but in reality it is losing up to €1 billion.

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