David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I came here this evening to simply salute the Minister and say that this is a very important part of his legacy. He has demonstrated extraordinary determination and courage in taking on one of the wealthiest and most unscrupulous lobbies we have seen on this planet. I welcome the Bill but I also utterly condemn attempts by sections of the tobacco industry to challenge the right of this national Parliament to pass legislation. It is a monstrous and impertinent intrusion into the proper working of democracy and those people should be thoroughly ashamed. The legal representation aspect is tricky as some of the people involved have had interactions with the State of one kind or another and the advice has not always been terribly good or in the State's interest. The Minister will have to take the Attorney General's advice on this, as lawyers are simply guns for hire. That is the way the law works in our system, and they have to be allowed ply for their trade.

I understand where the Minister is coming from in an emotional sense, and he wants to have nothing to do with these blackguards who fight the unworthy fight of the tobacco industry. With regard to legal effect, the issue is where there is a conflict of interest in the operations of the firm representing the tobacco industry. For example, this may occur where there is a health implication in legislation or an issue with the administration of the law as passed by these Houses. I understand and completely sympathise with the Minister's wish to have nothing whatever to do with those firms that represent the tobacco industry but with the legal position, it may not be possible to realise that goal, except in those areas where there is a conflict of interest. The law is what it is, and it is a stranger to the feelings of Ministers and the public. These firms should be held up to public odium for acting in this way, and the Minister may certainly do this even in circumstances where he cannot preclude them from working for the Government.

This is a good day for the people of Ireland and the Minister. We will be only the second country in the world to introduce this kind of legislation, so I say "Well done" to the Minister. The tobacco companies should take note that there has not been a single dissenting voice in either House; this is a united Parliament on the issue. I am particularly glad that this was a Seanad Bill, referred to the Dáil, and we are hearing of the Dáil amendments today. I say again "Well done" to the Minister and the civil servants. We stand four-square behind them.