Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

That is worth considering. We must keep reminding ourselves that tobacco is a weapon. Were we discussing the arms trade and the type of legislation, savage or otherwise, we would have no difficulty with introducing legislation on lobbying.

However, it is important that we consider the main argument against the Bill. It echoes another era. It reads:

A number of legal and constitutional considerations arise in respect of Senator Crown's proposals. The constitutional issues include serious concerns in regard to freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and freedom of association.

I remember exactly the same words coming from the platform that opposed Deputy Martin's legislation on smoking in public areas. We were told that the sky was going to fall down. Dire threats were made. Supposedly, people would not abide by the law. However, that did not happen. The same can apply in this instance.

Consider the next paragraph, which reads:

The Bill also cites An Garda Síochána as the enforcers of this legislation. It is likely that these provisions would prove unenforceable on a practical level...

This is interesting. I heard the same argument against Deputy Martin's legislation.

Not for one moment do I believe that this Bill is repugnant to the Constitution. Let the strong lobby contest it in the courts. It is the best publicity that we could get for what is one of the most serious matters. We held a referendum on the abolition of the Seanad. Why not have a referendum on people's lives, particularly those of the young generation, so that we might save them and give them a future? Why are we afraid to be to the fore as legislators? This Bill gives us an opportunity to release ourselves from the shackles of hypocrisy and cosmetic caution. The latter is precisely what is happening in this debate.

Senator Crown is at the coalface. He knows the situation. If Senators had family members on the operating table, or if they themselves were on the table, because of the issues central to this debate, I guarantee that all of them would stand up and fly the colours for this Bill. That is what legislators do - we look after our citizens' lives and welfare.