Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

I understand that but I have a brief question. I thank the Minister of State for her comprehensive reply and for reassuring the House that there will be more comprehensive anti-smoking legislation. I hope that will be advanced very quickly. I suggest the tobacco review committee would address the issue mentioned with regard to the constant use of smoking. Following the introduction of the smoking ban, there was a reduction nationally to approximately 22% or 23% but tobacco companies appear quite content because usage has again increased to 29% or 30%, despite the best efforts of successive Administrations and independent organisations and their health promotions.

There seems to be a focus on younger people, and part of the reason for this is their tendency to travel more. I am pleased to hear the scandalous allowances between countries will be addressed. We are debating legislation dealing with an EU directive that followed a great deal of debate at Commission level but the same institutions have fostered high allowances between countries. I suggest there is a need to analyse why the figures have gone back up. Why is the younger cohort more amenable to the blandishments of the tobacco industry? I cannot figure out why that is happening in spite of all the restrictions that have been put in place. I am sure the Minister of State cannot figure it out either. We are not going to be able to do it here. I suggest that it be done in the Department.

It is rather unfortunate that my friend and colleague, Senator Moran, did not swap notes with me prior to our respective contributions. When future historians look at this debate, they will find that Senator Moran followed everything I said. Everything she said was a replication. It is rather unfortunate in the circumstances but that is just the way things are.