Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would also like to welcome those from the school. I hope they are enjoying their day and I wish them every success in their studies. I welcome the Minister. In dealing with the Bill, I welcome the proposal by Senator Barrett. Obviously, the matter needs further attention. With regard to graphic images on packaging, which the Minister has pushed very much, my office has been involved in carrying out a survey on this issue in the past two to three months. The results are interesting in that people who smoke have indicated to us that graphic images are causing them to think long and hard about trying to move away from smoking. This is also highlighting the long-term health costs that smokers will incur in the years to come, aside from the financial cost. It is an important issue to highlight.

With regard to Senator Barrett's amendment on the restriction of sale in licensed premises and filling stations, from a competition point of view I am not sure whether we can do that immediately, but it is obviously something we should consider and should not ignore. I welcome the fact this Bill is being put forward and that we will see it on the Statute Book in a short time.