Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 215: To ask the Minister for Finance his views on the European Court of Justice ruling on minimum pricing of tobacco products; the action he will take to ensure that cut price cigarettes are not made available here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12545/10]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 230: To ask the Minister for Finance his plans to ensure that the price of tobacco products does not fall as a result of the recent EU judgment on minimum pricing of tobacco products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12730/10]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 233: To ask the Minister for Finance his views on the recent judgement of the European Court of Justice in relation to the minimum pricing of tobacco products; if he remains committed to a high tobacco price policy as a deterrent to new smokers; if he intends to bring forward legislation to prohibit the below cost selling of tobacco products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12744/10]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 215, 230 and 233 together.

The European Court of Justice issued a Judgement on 4 March 2010 against Ireland, France, and Austria to the effect that the setting in Health legislation of the minimum price for which cigarettes can be sold is not in keeping with EU Law. The Judgement has only been issued recently and will require to be carefully examined by the relevant Departments, including the Department of Health and Children, as to the appropriate steps that should be taken in the light of the Judgement. It should however be recognised in that context that Ireland already has the highest excise rates on cigarettes in the European Community, by a significant amount.