Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am sure this will be welcomed throughout rural Ireland, in particular. The Government has been criticised in rural Ireland in the context of the possible closure of schools. I hope this policy nails that lie on the head at this stage.

Senator Barrett has raised the question of Aer Lingus on a number of occasions in recent weeks. He has said that public representatives will not be swayed by the power of public relations companies and will make informed decisions on Aer Lingus. I note the very salient points he has made on this issue, as he did previously at the Joint Committee on Transport and Communications.

Senators Noone, Mullins, Whelan, Mooney, Moloney and Conway spoke about the threat by a tobacco company to take legal action against the State with regard to the plain packaging of tobacco. When the Minister, Deputy Reilly, declared his intentions in this regard and said there would be no going back, I welcomed his proposals. Senator Mooney mentioned that this House unanimously supported the Bill that provided for the plain packaging of tobacco. The Seanad has been very firm on the issue.