Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The issues Senator Crown has outlined in explaining the rationale for this amendment merit serious consideration. We are dealing with some of the most dangerous business people on the planet, who are engaged in manufacturing and marketing products that kill people. This Bill is revolutionary and will save lives. However, no more than the criminals on the streets, the tobacco industry is always three or four steps ahead of us. If we can do anything to ensure we get a step or two closer to its cynical, devious ploys, we should do so. I have mentioned in this House, while wearing my retailer hat, that I have seen at first hand some of the sneaky schemes cigarette companies use to promote their products, like introducing packs of 23 at under €10 to give the impression of offering people value for money. The latest scheme I have seen is the retailing of pouches of rolled tobaccos at under €5, designed to appeal to smokers who are already strapped for cash. The message is that one can purchase a tobacco product for under a fiver.

This is a war for the health of the current and future generations. We have a responsibility to do everything we can to impede and intercept the tobacco manufacturers' sneaky and covert marketing ploys. I appeal to the Minister in that context to give consideration to Senator Crown's proposal. I commend the member of staff in the Senator's office who spotted this potential loophole.