Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I take this opportunity to express my appreciation for the briefing we are to receive from Mr. Kieran Staunton, which Senator Mark Daly was instrumental in organising. The plight of the undocumented Irish in the United States can easily be forgotten on this side of the Atlantic. Given that a minimum of 50,000 of our citizens are affected, however, it is an issue that should always be at the top of the agenda.

I welcome the agreement by the Cabinet yesterday, on the recommendation of the Minister for Health, to introduce plain packaging for tobacco products. We are engaged in a war with the tobacco industry, a ruthless body that will stop at nothing to promote its product. It was a brave decision by the Minister, Deputy James Reilly, to press this initiative. It has been done in New Zealand with some success, and we will be the first country in Europe to embrace plain packaging. The leader of Fianna Fáil, Deputy Micheál Martin, showed the same bravery when, as Minister for Health, he introduced the smoking ban in pubs and restaurants in the face of vigorous lobbying and a vicious campaign of opposition. In fairness to the then Minister, he stuck to his guns and did what was right. The current Minister, Deputy Reilly, is also doing what is right.

Although I understand the frustrations expressed by Senators van Turnhout, Crown and Daly in regard to the legislation, I am totally supportive of what is being proposed. In fact, I would support an outright ban on tobacco products in this country. I hope it will happen at some point in the future, because cigarettes destroy people's lives and cost the State an absolute fortune. Will the Leader arrange for the Minister for Health to come to the House for statements on the various measures being taken to combat smoking and the interdepartmental approach in respect of the health issues, education strategy and incidence of tobacco smuggling? It is vital to educate young people on the challenges they will face in future if they embrace smoking. I would also like to know when it is planned to implement the proposal on plain packaging. It is a critical debate for the future health of our nation.