Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

A Leas-Chathaoirleach, we are not calling for a decrease in the price of cigarettes. The point we are making is that to increase the duty on cigarettes as opposed to taking the step to tax the company that is making significant profits are very different measures. At present people are not spending as they do not have much disposable income. To increase the duty on cigarette will reduce their disposal income, particularly those on lower incomes.

If it is a health measure, can the Minister of State indicate whether the Department of Finance will consider ring-fencing this ¤25 million to be spent in the cancer services area of the health budget?