Cecilia Keaveney (Fianna Fail)

I regret the announcement of the Minister for Justice and Law Reform, Deputy Dermot Ahern, not to stand again for election. I would like to raise the same issue as Senator Cummins. I have regularly referred to the tobacco industry in the Oireachtas. The Joint Committee on Health and Children produced a report on it. It has always been said increasing the price is the only way to deal with tobacco consumption, yet the Minister for Justice and Law Reform and Minister for Finance baulk at the idea of setting the price too high because they say it will further the underground market. The two issues need to be dealt with simultaneously. There is no point in saying we cannot deal with cigarettes being smuggled into the country. The number of smugglers getting caught is small but if the number of staff tackling the problem were increased, it would be helpful. Smuggling represents a massive loss to the Exchequer and, therefore, any increase in the use of drug dogs and equipment that can detect smuggling will be of benefit. There is a serious price to be paid in our hospitals because of the arsenic and various poisons people are inhaling from the cigarettes in question.

The second issue I want to raise concerns a topic discussed on "Panorama" last night, FIFA's dirty secrets. A couple of weeks ago, I asked that Ireland become involved with the enlarged partial agreement on sport. We need to deal on an international basis with corruption, organised crime and circumstances that are not right in sport. Last night it was alleged that $100 million was given to three FIFA officials. Two other officials have been banned from making a decision on Thursday as to what country will be allowed to host the World Cup.

Where does the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport stand on corruption in sport? The International Olympic Council is saying it will investigate the matter. This is not appropriate and not enough. Why are sports commentators saying what has occurred in respect of Thursday's bid is almost treason against England considering that eight secret deals must be done with the government that cannot be exposed? They were exposed last night, however, by the Dutch Government. Considering the types of moral links and compromises that must be made, it is time to ask the Minister the price of hosting the World Cup in Europe.