Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is not being pressed and neither is the section being opposed. On the question of privacy, the Minister and I are ad idem. It seems to me that the cigarette is as lethal as the mobile phone and the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Varadkar, has been persuaded with regard to the latter. I refer to trying to light a cigarette while driving and attempting to flick out the ash and throw away the butt because these actions are very distracting. That is my response to those who fear that there is a privacy issue at stake.

I agree with the Minister on the policy of increasing the excise duties since the decision of the court leaves him with little alternative. However, our most helpful Oireachtas Library and Research Service has provided information that the tobacco price here is at 217% of the European average. We have the highest priced cigarettes in Europe. The price is there as a weapon and I will support the Minister in using it. However, we need all these supportive measures. I welcome all he said about the tobacco control policy and I look forward to seeing it in practice. My suggestions are offered in that spirit. Price has not been able to control the level of smoking. The UK price is 166% of the European average and the price in France is at 133%. The price in Ireland is nearly double the French price but it is still not sufficient a deterrent to the 5,200 people facing death each year as a result of this product.

I welcome all the news from the Minister about a ban in places of employment, education, health care and we agree on sporting venues. I welcome what he said about tobacco use in motor vehicles and the progress being made in the talks with Senator Crown, Senator van Turnhout and other Members about the damage to children. We hoped the Bill might be enacted in time for the summer period when people travel on holidays in order to help children travel smoke-free. I wish the Minister good luck in that endeavour. I will not press the amendment. The section is not opposed. I welcome very much the Minister's full response to every point we raised in the amendment which will influence his tobacco control policy.