Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support the financial resolution. Deputy Harty described the effects of smoking on his patients. I have seen its effects on the families of people who are suffering from lung cancer and other ailments as a result of smoking.

I hope the introduction of plain packaging will have an effect, particularly on young people. It is worrying to see so many young people taking up smoking. I congratulate and compliment my colleague, Deputy Corcoran Kennedy, who, throughout her period in office, highlighted the need to resist the temptation to smoke. I hope the higher price of cigarettes will encourage people to give up smoking. People have many alternatives available to them. It is regrettable to see the devastation smoking-related diseases cause to families and individuals. I hope this measure will help in some small way.

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