John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

I ask the Leader to inquire as to the possibility of removing tobacco from the consumer price index. I ask for that because, first, it is a health issue and, second, tobacco is not an essential item. We had an excellent representation here yesterday from the Irish Cancer Society who requested that €2 be added to the price of a packet of cigarettes, and it gave very sound health reasons for that. The number of people smoking in this country has increased from 27% to 29%, with all the added health risks. If we were to put a figure on it, the cost of smoking on the health service is €1 billion and that must be addressed as a health issue. It should not be included in the consumer price index because it is not an essential item.

Regarding water quality throughout the country, the recent reports in Thurles and Galway have to do with lead pipes rather than lead in the water. Will the Leader agree to ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to make available a means-tested grant to assist people who are not in a position to pay for the piping in their houses to be changed? We need to ensure people receive water of the highest quality. There is no problem with the water going into their homes. It is the lead piping that is causing the health risks.