Colm Burke (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State and thank her for bringing forward the Bill at such an early opportunity. One often believes that the position with regard to regulation is adequate and that there is already legislation in place to allow Ministers to regulate in respect of particular matters. There was a case a number of years ago where regulation was in place but where there was a lack of adequate legislation. As a result, the relevant Department incurred a liability of €400 million. It is important, therefore, that Departments should react immediately when it is discovered that particular legislation is not adequate. That is what the Minister of State's Department has done on this occasion prior to proceeding to insist on the use of photographic warnings on tobacco packaging. In such circumstances, I welcome the legislation. It deals with a technical issue but it is important that we get matters right.

Some 25% of people who smoke will die before they reach the age of 69. The Minister of State provided some comprehensive figures in respect of health care matters in that regard. It is sad that a substantial number of individuals will die before the age to which I refer as a result of smoking. When one considers that 29% of people engage in smoking, one realises that some 1 million people are actively using tobacco products. These individuals are contributing to their own health problems, perhaps not immediately but certainly in the long term. We must continue to send out the message that every time a person smokes, he or she is damaging his or her health. It is important, therefore, to do everything possible to discourage people from smoking.

I accept that it is very difficult for people to stop smoking. However, we should all do our part in the context of encouraging people to kick the habit. Those to whom I refer should be given every possible assistance. Many people who smoke do not wish to do so. These individuals have made repeated attempts to give up but they find it difficult to do so. Using photographic warnings on packaging will get the message across. The Minister of State indicated that if someone smokes 20 cigarettes per day over the course of 12 months, he or she will see such warnings some 7,300 times during that period. That is one way to ensure that the message to which I refer is communicated.

The Minister of State outlined the fact that the cost of health care in respect of smoking-related diseases will be €2.3 billion in real terms. That is a massive amount of money and there are many things for which it could be used elsewhere in the health system. The cost factor is another reason for encouraging people to stop smoking.

Another issue that arises relates to the number of cigarettes that are imported and sold illegally. I am not sure whether those involved in producing or selling such cigarettes will be able to adapt in the context of including photographic health warnings on packets. Many people are able to purchase cigarettes illegally. Not only are these individuals damaging their own health, they are also affecting the way in which business operates in this country.

One of the areas in which major successes have been achieved in recent years is that of road safety. The campaign which has been run in that regard has proven very effective. It includes some shocking filmed images and is important in the context of getting across the message regarding the need to reduce speed and to discourage those who drink from driving.

We should target young people in the context of discouraging citizens from smoking. If individuals have not yet become involved in smoking, we have a better chance of getting the message across to them. We should do everything possible to discourage young people from smoking. In Australia, Brazil, New Zealand and Singapore, the telephone number of what is called a "quitline" is included on tobacco packaging. I understand that such information is included on cigarette packets in 14 countries of the EU. Perhaps we might consider the inclusion of a helpline number on packaging in this country. This is a matter in respect of which we must work.

The important aspect of this legislation is that it will not give rise to a cost for the Government. I accept that it will still be obliged to foot the bill for various advertising campaigns designed to discourage people from smoking or to stop smoking. However, it will not be obliged to pay in respect of the photographic warnings which must be included on packaging from now on. That is crucial.

The legislation is important from the point of view of long-term planning with regard to health care. It is also important to ensure that we are upfront with regard to ensuring that people who smoke are made aware of all of the risks on a daily basis, or even an hourly basis. I welcome the legislation and have no difficulty in recommending it for immediate enforcement.