Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 232: To ask the Minister for Health if he will support the development of a national tobacco control strategy in conjunction with other Departments that combines a policy of regular tobacco taxation increases and tougher anti-smuggling measures with vast improvements to stop smoking in view of the fact that since such a policy was adopted in the UK the number of smokers has been reduced by 2 million, the rate of child smokers has been halved, smuggling has been reduced from 21% to 12% and net public finance benefits exceed £2.5 billion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36883/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Tobacco Policy Review Group is currently considering a number of issues including price and taxation, enforcement of existing legislation and cessation services. The terms of reference given to this review group are, among others: (a) to examine Irish and international evidence and experience of effective measures and programmes to reduce smoking prevalence; and (b) to make policy proposals aimed at reducing smoking initiation and prevalence. I anticipate that the report of the review group will be completed in the near future and I will be bringing the report together with its recommendations on future policy proposals to Government for approval.