Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 289: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide, in tabular format, on an annual basis since 1 January 2002 to 31 December 2006, by community care area and local health office, the number of prosecutions initiated in the Courts by health authorities for breaches of the legislation regarding the sale of tobacco products to minors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12470/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Deputy's question relates to the enforcement of tobacco control legislation. The number of prosecutions initiated in the Courts by health authorities for breaches of the legislation regarding the sale of tobacco products to minors is the responsibility of the environmental health service of the Health Service Executive. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 290: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her timetable for implementing the remaining sections of the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2002 and the Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Act 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12471/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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My Department has commenced discussions with the Office of Tobacco Control and the Office of the Attorney General on this matter.

Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 291: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when it is intended to introduce pictorial health warnings on tobacco product packages here as agreed by the European Commission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12472/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Pictorial warnings have been developed by the European Commission in conjunction with the Member States but their use is not mandatory; it is an option open to Member States. While a number of Member States, including Ireland, are currently considering their introduction, Belgium is the only Member State to introduce them so far. The tobacco industry has been informed that consideration is being given to the introduction of pictorial warnings.