Declan Breathnach (Louth, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

If it were many years ago Members from Dundalk would be shouting from the rooftops at increases in tobacco prices. We must support this resolution on the basis of health but heavy smokers will obviously bear the brunt of it. I agree with Deputy Calleary on the need to strengthen revenue in the face of tobacco smuggling and the illicit trade that will no doubt occur as a result of a further increase in the price of tobacco. I am from an area where the largest seizures in the illicit trade in tobacco in this country have occurred. I am aware of the major efforts being made by retailers against smuggling and in trying to get a balance between price and ensuring that their trade continues to exist. They will certainly be perturbed at the raise in the price, but we are all aware of the reasons for it. I echo the comments on the health aspects and I draw the Minister's attention to the practice of vaping. The jury is out on that but obviously that must be explored from a health point of view.

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