John Gilroy (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senators Marc MacSharry, John Crown and Sean D. Barrett for their very dynamic and supportive contributions on all Stages of the Bill, on which we all agree. The Minister was right in referring to the young people in the Visitors Gallery. The tobacco industry is so cynical that in a few years these young people will be targeted by the advertising campaigns the Minister mentioned. It is right for us to point to what the tobacco industry does. The average age of those in the Visitors Gallery is 11 or 12 years. In another year or two the tobacco industry will target such young people, particularly girls. Yesterday the Minister highlighted the attractive packaging the tobacco industry used to target people such as those in the Visitors Gallery. It is welcome that he is taking as robust measures as he can. It has been said there will be no markings on the cigarette box. In fact, I hope there will be pictures depicting the detrimental damage tobacco does.

I thank the Minister and my Opposition colleagues for supporting the Bill. We look forward to its passage through the Houses onto the Statute Book.