Brendan Ryan (Labour)

I will raise another issue to put this in perspective. There were ten road deaths over the weekend and approximately 100 road deaths over the three months since this House last met. There were 1,500 deaths from smoking related illnesses over the same period. When we recommence the debate about smoking, we should remember that it will kill, on average, 15 times more people than the appalling carnage on the roads.

Much nonsense is spoken about delays, consultation and unproven research. Imperial Tobacco in Britain has entered a defence in a case to the effect that it has not been proven that cigarette smoking causes cancer. The same quality of debate is being put forward by the Irish hospitality federation and, tragically, it has been swallowed by some members of Fianna Fáil. Can we sort out this smoking issue once and for all? Contrary to what many people think, I do not believe it is a diversion. It is a central issue of public health and it is time the Government defined its position, conveyed that to its members and told those who do not agree with it that there is a place on the backbenches for them. They cannot have one foot in Government and one foot in the vintners' organisations, depending on their geographical location.

I join in the tributes to the two brave members of the Garda Síochána. It was an extraordinarily courageous action, which reflects extremely well on the quality of the people who are joining the force. However, I dissent from any suggestion that the next step in this case should be to arm gardaí. Is it now the policy of the largest Opposition party that members of the Garda should be armed?