Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I cannot support this increase in the price of cigarettes.

I am aware of the seriousness of smoking and the adverse effects it has had on many great friends of mine who died from lung cancer and so forth. However, this increase is highly unfair and will hit hard those who are addicted to cigarettes and smokers with serious mental health issues such as depression who live for a cigarette. Some of these people would buy a packet of cigarettes before they would buy food.

We need to educate youngsters more and ask parents to educate their children by advising them, if they find them smoking, of how serious it will be or what it could mean for them down the line.

I am sorry I cannot support the financial resolution. I see the Minister's point of view in that he is trying to price people out of smoking. However, the increase will mean that the €5 increase in social welfare payments will be wiped out for many people who buy a packet of fags every day. The Minister will have to go about this in a different way.

See this speech in context