Dee Ryan (Fianna Fail)

I acknowledge all of the actions the Minister of State listed that Government is taking to drive down the sale of cigarettes but I question whether this measure will achieve that aim. From discussing the issue with other retailers, it seems to me this will be successful in driving the sale of cigarettes and vapes underground and further into the black market, which is thriving in this regard. Regrettably, it is my view that this measure, should it be introduced without a derogation for small businesses, will be a further nail in the coffin for independent retailers who are struggling in what is already a very difficult and challenging trading environment. I ask the Minister of State to pass on to the Minister of Health, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, the need to examine this issue for small grocery stores.