Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. He said it; instinctively and intuitively he agrees with the principle and the rationale I set out for the amendments. In 2022 the University of Bristol carried out extensive research, which I will send him in the morning. I am sure the officials have it, or at least they should have it if they were preparing and were aware of the extent to which we would be discussing the matter today. The University of Bristol clearly identified there is a major increase in the consumption of cigarettes where there are larger sized cigarette packets.

I hear what the Minister is saying but it is important that we make a decision here. It will not stop the Minister from proceeding, which is what he has indicated he wishes to do. He has given a commitment that he will ask the officials to look into this and see whether there is further research or evidence on it. Deputy Donnelly is the Minister for Health and he does not need a lecture on the damage caused by smoking and cigarettes and the impact they have on our people's health. He knows it more than anyone. He sees it first hand every day in terms of the impact of smoking on the lives of our young people and people of all ages. These are well thought out relevant amendments. Ultimately the Minister will pass the Bill. He does not have to enact all parts of the legislation, that is his call, but for my part I am committed to pursuing these amendments through the House.