Patrick Nulty (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 182: To ask the Minister for Health the steps being taken to implement the World Health Organisation framework convention on tobacco control; the steps being taken to implement Article 5:3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31073/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) was developed in response to the globalisation of the tobacco epidemic. The purpose of the WHO FCTC is to identify and progress the tobacco control measures required to be introduced by national governments in order to protect public health.

Ireland played a significant role in drafting the FCTC Treaty which was ratified by the State in November 2005. Ireland is a strong advocate of an effective FCTC and is fully committed to its implementation. Ireland has been an active participant in the Conference of the Parties (COP) which is the governing body of the FCTC. The COP keeps the implementation of the FCTC under review and takes decisions necessary to promote its effective implementation. The next COP is due to be held in November of this year and Ireland will again be an active participant in these proceedings .

Article 5.3 of the FCTC states - "In setting and implementing their public health policies with respect to tobacco control, Parties shall act to protect these policies from commercial and other vested interests of the tobacco industry in accordance with national law." Guidelines were developed to assist parties in meeting their obligations under Article 5.3.

My Department is fully aware of our obligations in this regard and last month I wrote to all my Government colleagues reminding them of the duties and obligations set down in Article 5.3 in relation to interaction with the tobacco industry. I enclosed the guidelines and requested that they circulate the guidelines to members of their Departments to ensure that they are aware of their obligations under the framework.