Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I understand this matter was raised earlier but I wish to put my views about it on the record. Senator Noone spoke about the plain cigarette packaging legislation which was quite rightly passed by this House last year, with all party and non-party support. What has angered me considerably is reports in the media that one of the largest tobacco manufacturers in the world is now sending letters threatening legal action against the sovereign Irish Government. If ever there was a case of an outrageous action by a corporate body, that is a perfect example. Those of us who have followed the tobacco lobby over the last number of years should not be surprised, because its members are among the most unscrupulous group of people one could encounter.