Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It will come as no surprise to the House that I will vote in favour of this resolution. Smoking is a huge health hazard. It is the cause of many cancers including lung and throat cancer and the cause of chronic obstructive airways disease which is a huge burden on the health service. It is one of the most destructive habits one can take up. It is a huge health problem. It amazes me how many people smoke in the Houses of the Oireachtas. The smoking area is well occupied most days of the week. The health effects of smoking are incontrovertible. The price should have been increased by €1. We should have put an extra 50 cent on cigarettes and taken 50 cent off the prescription charge, which would have been a far more progressive health measure.

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