Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)

The high level steering group comprising representatives of the Office of Tobacco Control, the HSE and the Department of Health and Children has been established to oversee the merger. All of the functions of the office are to be transferred to the HSE on commencement of the Act, with the exception of those I mentioned. I made a mistake and wish to correct it. The exceptions include the functions of preparation and implementation of a plan for the co-ordination nationally of the activities of the office and HSE in respect of the Act. That is no longer necessary. Section 22 refers to the establishment of the Tobacco Free Council. Three staff members of the Office of Tobacco Control, its core functions and a sum of €1.5 million are being transferred.