Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

My comments will be similar to Deputy Calleary's. We have this debate every year on the financial resolution but perhaps we could have a wider debate on smoking and its effects because there is no doubt that it is a serious factor in a number of deaths every year. We should at least treat it as a health policy but, unfortunately, we debate this every year as part of the budget package.

As the Minister pointed out, since 2007, the rate of tobacco excise has almost doubled, yet the revenue raised has dropped.

I believe the Minister's figures are dishonest regarding what is being proposed today. The Minister says it will bring in €64 million but according to the Revenue Commissioners it is as likely to cost the State €40 million because the more that is charged, the smaller the number of people who will smoke. That is a positive and progressive policy, but the Minister's figures are a little dishonest. In our budget submission we put it down as cost neutral. We support the policy direction in that anything that reduces the number of people who are smoking is to be welcomed, but the Minister's figures are dishonest regarding what will be the potential revenue as a result of this.

See this speech in context