Results 3,501-3,520 of 21,128 for speaker:James Reilly

Seanad: Public Health (Standardised Packaging of Tobacco) Bill 2014: Committee and Remaining Stages (24 Jun 2014)

James Reilly: I thank all the Senators who submitted amendments to this Bill and I also thank all those who have contributed to the Bill's progression through this House. I am particularly pleased there were no dissenting voices regarding the Bill. This demonstrates in practice what has been concluded in an EU study, that is, the Irish public have a strong willingness to adopt public health measures...

Seanad: Public Health (Standardised Packaging of Tobacco) Bill 2014: Committee and Remaining Stages (24 Jun 2014)

James Reilly: I am acutely aware of the fact that I could find myself standing in a different type of dock. For this reason, while I share his sentiments, I will shy away from using some of the language of which the Senator has availed. What we are trying to do is protect children from ever taking up this heinous habit and help those who have become addicted to overcome their addiction. We will do...

Seanad: Public Health (Standardised Packaging of Tobacco) Bill 2014: Committee and Remaining Stages (24 Jun 2014)

James Reilly: While I do not wish to be seen to be declining every amendment, this proposal is not necessary as the Bill states that the Minister for Health may make regulations on any matter referred to in the Act, as prescribed. As such, the inclusion of the phrase, "by the Minister by regulation", as set out in the amendment, is not necessary because it is already provided for in the body of the Bill....

Seanad: Public Health (Standardised Packaging of Tobacco) Bill 2014: Committee and Remaining Stages (24 Jun 2014)

James Reilly: I thank the Senator again for his concern and the amendment which aims to include specific provisions in the Bill for the packaging of cigars. However, the Bill as it stands makes provisions for the packaging of cigars in section 10 on retail packaging of other tobacco products. Section 10 sets out requirements which apply to all tobacco products, including cigars. Therefore, I do not...

Seanad: Public Health (Standardised Packaging of Tobacco) Bill 2014: Committee and Remaining Stages (24 Jun 2014)

James Reilly: I share the Senator's concerns. There are great concerns around this matter, particularly the idea that they would be marketed as a lifestyle choice and act as a gateway to smoking. If one asked most smokers why they started smoking one will find it was because they thought it looked cool and were intrigued by the imagery of it all. In most cases, the first cigarette a person smokes will...

Seanad: Public Health (Standardised Packaging of Tobacco) Bill 2014: Committee and Remaining Stages (24 Jun 2014)

James Reilly: We will introduce the regulations at the same time we enact the legislation. I accept fully that many statutory instruments go through unremarked upon, unnoticed and not noted. We are very fortunate, however, to have some wonderful non-governmental organisations such as the Irish Cancer Society, the Asthma Society of Ireland, COPD Support Ireland and many others. Even if the Members of...

Seanad: Public Health (Standardised Packaging of Tobacco) Bill 2014: Committee and Remaining Stages (24 Jun 2014)

James Reilly: I thank the Senator for raising that issue because it gives me an opportunity to debunk a myth that is put out by the tobacco industry that there has been an increase in smuggling and illicit sales in Australia. There is no evidence to support that. There are studies, which the Senator's colleague, Senator van Turnhout, pointed out on the last day, sponsored by the tobacco industry...

Seanad: Public Health (Standardised Packaging of Tobacco) Bill 2014: Committee and Remaining Stages (24 Jun 2014)

James Reilly: I reassure Senators that most of this area is prescribed in the law. We must put regulations before the House. The Bill states in section 3(3): Every order (other than an order under section 1(3)) or regulation made by the Minister under this Act shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as may be after it is made and, if a resolution annulling the order or regulation is...

Seanad: Public Health (Standardised Packaging of Tobacco) Bill 2014: Committee and Remaining Stages (24 Jun 2014)

James Reilly: I thank the Senator.

Seanad: Public Health (Standardised Packaging of Tobacco) Bill 2014: Committee and Remaining Stages (24 Jun 2014)

James Reilly: It is specifically stated in another section of the Bill that the bar code cannot be interfered with for any purpose, such as electronic messaging, etc. That applies to the pack in general, by inference. I believe it is already covered off. I will be happy to discuss the matter further with the Senator. If we can find a way of improving this provision, we will certainly look at it....

Seanad: Public Health (Standardised Packaging of Tobacco) Bill 2014: Committee and Remaining Stages (24 Jun 2014)

James Reilly: I have no issue in principle with this amendment. The aim is to limit the number of characters permitted per tobacco brand or variant name and to be prescriptive about the use of upper and lower case letters. The Bill provides that the brand and variant names placed on tobacco packaging are to be printed in accordance with regulations. These regulations will provide for the manner in which...

Seanad: Public Health (Standardised Packaging of Tobacco) Bill 2014: Committee and Remaining Stages (24 Jun 2014)

James Reilly: I covered that when responding to Senator MacSharry’s amendment. The regulatory powers in the Bill already allow for these matters to be prescribed by the Minister so I do not propose to accept these amendments as they are not necessary. The regulations would provide for the manner in which the name is printed on the pack and include colour, font type, size, positioning and...

Seanad: Public Health (Standardised Packaging of Tobacco) Bill 2014: Committee and Remaining Stages (24 Jun 2014)

James Reilly: There is only a technical issue here. I agree with the Senator and it will be done. These amendments relate to the inclusion of a quit-line number and website address on packs of tobacco products. This will be put in place. The new tobacco directive sets out mandatory provision for member states to include such information on the graphic warnings. The new warnings are being developed at...

Seanad: Public Health (Standardised Packaging of Tobacco) Bill 2014: Committee and Remaining Stages (24 Jun 2014)

James Reilly: Senator Gilroy has hit the nail on the head there. Senator Crown's amendment seeks to insert, "not contain any item incorporated into the packaging other than as provided for by law." Section 7(8) states that the packet shall not contain any inserted items or affixed items other than as provided for by law. It is already covered off, but I accept that people are alert. However, it is...

Seanad: Public Health (Standardised Packaging of Tobacco) Bill 2014: Committee and Remaining Stages (24 Jun 2014)

James Reilly: It could not be more specific. With respect to the Senator, I point out it is more comprehensive than his amendment.

Seanad: Public Health (Standardised Packaging of Tobacco) Bill 2014: Committee and Remaining Stages (24 Jun 2014)

James Reilly: Only that I do not see any reference to electronic advertising in amendment No. 6. Is Senator Crown referring to an additional amendment which deals specifically with electronic advertising on cigarettes? As far as I can see, it is not mentioned in these group of amendments.

Seanad: Public Health (Standardised Packaging of Tobacco) Bill 2014: Committee and Remaining Stages (24 Jun 2014)

James Reilly: If I table them in my name but do not take them, that will be bizarre. What I am saying is that I will address the issue comprehensively. They can easily be tabled again by Members of the Dáil if they so wish. What I am saying is that I cannot accept them at the moment. Rather than have a vote on it, I would prefer to have more time to consider how we might be able to justify doing...

Seanad: Public Health (Standardised Packaging of Tobacco) Bill 2014: Committee and Remaining Stages (24 Jun 2014)

James Reilly: I am absolutely happy to do that.

Seanad: Public Health (Standardised Packaging of Tobacco) Bill 2014: Committee and Remaining Stages (24 Jun 2014)

James Reilly: I thank Senators for their amendments and particularly the spirit in which they have been submitted. I utterly accept what is being attempted here. While one cannot make the product safer, one can certainly provide more advice concerning its use. Any doctor prescribing, and any patient using, medication will be well used to the fact that there is an insert with the tablets that they can...

Seanad: Public Health (Standardised Packaging of Tobacco) Bill 2014: Committee and Remaining Stages (24 Jun 2014)

James Reilly: I have no objection to this amendment, my views would be in accord with it. However, we operate under certain restrictions in respect of the EU directive, which is immutable. I agree with the Senator on the wash-out period. We are currently examining that issue. I cannot accept the amendment because if I do so I may find myself in conflict with the law. I apologise for that but if I can...