James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have already pointed out how plain packaging has increased awareness and people's willingness to give up tobacco products.

With regard to stating the carbon monoxide and tar content of cigarettes on packages, the reason it is not allowed is part of the EU directive and the rationale behind the policy is that it allows the industry to pretend that one cigarette is less harmful and better for one's health than another type. However, they all kill, and that is the point we are trying to get across.

Counterfeit products were mentioned. I can assure the Senators that the packets are counterfeit-proof. They will be more counterfeit-proof now because they will have a tax stamp.

In closing, I wish to express my gratitude again to the Chairman of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children, Deputy Jerry Buttimer, and members of his committee. The public hearings held by the committee in February informed the composition of the Bill. I thank the committee for its invaluable contribution to the issue and for the assistance it provided to me and my officials. I also thank my Cabinet colleagues for their support on this initiative. We have some heavy hitters from abroad leaning on the Government.

I commend the Bill to the House and look forward to working closely with my colleagues in the Seanad as we discuss the legislation in the House. I thank Senators again for their support.