Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support my colleague, Senator Noone, and others in the request for a debate on the legal threats to Government by the cigarette companies. This is one battle we must win given the damage caused by tobacco to people's health and the cost to the Exchequer in that regard. My only concern is the counterfeit issue. I hope that packaging and security will be such that the particular concern which retailers have can be addressed so that this cannot be used as an excuse to back away from what Government intends to do in this area.

I also call for a debate on our most unhealthy relationship with alcohol. I acknowledge that we have already had several debates in this House on the issue and that there legislation in this regard in the pipeline. However, I am prompted to raise this issue again following reports across all of the media today of 500 students queueing outside a pub in Galway at 10 a.m. waiting to get in to celebrate Donegal day.