Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he will clarify that the three weeks and one week timeframe set for the Tobacco Products Directive which occurred over the Christmas period was an appropriate timeframe to allow for proper public consultation on this directive; if he will provide the results of these consultations with the total number of submissions, if he will provide a breakdown of the number that were in favour and against this directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6687/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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On the 19th December, 2012 the European Commission published a proposal for a new EU Tobacco Products Directive, the ultimate purpose of which is to reduce the numbers of people smoking. The proposal is being discussed by the European Parliament and Council of Ministers and the Commission has expressed the hope that it will be adopted by the European Parliament and Council in 2014. The proposal was published following extensive consultation of stakeholders in an EU wide public consultation which generated 85,000 responses. On publication of the proposal in December, my Department held a public consultation by inviting submissions from interested parties. The closing date for this consultation process was the 16th January, 2013.

The Commission presented the proposal to all Member States at the first meeting of the Working Party on Public Health on 7th January 2013.

The closing date for the Irish public consultation was set for 16th January to ensure that submissions were received prior to the Member States' detailed consideration of the proposal at the meeting of the Working Party held on the 21st January 2013. These meetings are on-going and will continue throughout the Irish Presidency. My objective is to build consensus, facilitate agreement among the Member States and to significantly progress the proposal during Ireland's Presidency.

My Department is currently analysing the submissions received following the public consultation.