Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The introduction of this Bill is welcome and long overdue. The Minister has already outlined the difficulties faced in this country and, along with my colleague, Senator Daly, pointed out that tobacco kills some 5,200 Irish citizens and 700,000 European citizens every year. It is amazing that these figures neither deter people from starting smoking nor encourage them to stop. The death of 5,200 people per year translates to 100 deaths per week and this is a lot of people. Yet some young people are still attracted to smoking and become addicted at a young age. We must address the issue of the number of young people who are smoking and ensure the information is circulated so that the number falls. Not long ago three out of ten people were smokers but more recent figures show this has fallen to 2.2 out of ten. There is still a long way to go. Much progress has been made with young people and the introduction of this legislation is very welcome.

In the early 1960s the surgeon general in the US identified the clear connection between smoking and cancer.

Yet, 50 years on, the product is still for sale and people willingly spend a substantial amount of money on it every day of the week. Much research has been done over the years and the direct connection between smoking and the various health issues that arise from it is unchallenged.

Not long ago, major film stars advertised that the only way to be popular was to smoke a particular product. It took a substantial time before we were able to restrict advertising and move forward, and this is another major step in taking on the challenge of the tobacco industry. It has been argued that introducing standard packaging will increase smuggling, but let us face that challenge if it arises. Smuggling and the illegal importation of cigarettes happens and the Garda and customs officials have a major challenge on their hands but are being very proactive in dealing with it. It is important that we all assist them by ensuring that any information we or the public have is made available to them to reduce smuggling and the trade in illegally imported cigarettes. We all have a part to play in that. It is not just about the tax revenue but about health.

I have raised the issue that there is nothing in the legislation to prevent the production of holders for cigarette packets. We need to keep a watchful eye on it because people will be only too willing to produce these holders that will cover the negative message highlighting the dangers of smoking which we want to give out through the packaging.

I welcome the legislation and it is important that we enact it. There is a three-year time period, up to 2017, for the full enforcement of the provisions in the Bill. Although there is a likelihood of legal challenges if we enforce it too quickly, it is a substantial time period and I wonder if it can be brought forward. Because it is a health issue, we should re-examine the timeframe. Overall, I welcome the Bill. It is the right step forward and will make a substantial contribution over the coming years to reducing the number of people whose health is adversely affected by smoking.