Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

To be fair to all concerned, there may not be an easy alternative mode. There has been a major push in recent years since we increased the age limit to 18. We wanted to bring across a strong culture of compliance in order to try to stop minors from smoking or to reduce what are termed "initiation rates". The most recent national lifestyles survey shows that we had arrested the rate at which young people actually start smoking. That is the key battleground for the future. Many retailers are co-operating and are anxious to be seen to be doing so. The next issue that arises, therefore, is that of a level playing pitch. If some retailers are adhering to the law and they hear about a particular retailer who is not doing so, the whole system can be called into question and it means that some retailers will be disadvantaged on competition grounds, etc.

I will contact the health boards and discuss the modalities they employ in respect of enforcement in the area of under-age smoking. Surveys and research have been carried out with regard to how under-age smokers secure cigarettes, particularly in terms of different types of selling and retailing.

I understand from where the Senator is coming on this matter. On the other hand, the health boards that are using this modality are probably using a system that is foolproof. If a young person goes into a shop and is sold cigarettes without any checking being done, someone is clearly in breach of the law.

Progress reported; Committee to sit again.