Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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592. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on negotiations between Member States on the European Commission’s proposal for a revision of the Tobacco Products Directive; if a political agreement or partial agreement is likely to be reached between Member States on this important public health legislation at the EPSCO Council meeting in June 2013; if he will detail the contact he, his officials or the Irish permanent representative have had with their Lithuanian and Greek counterparts on this directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22219/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The proposal for a new Tobacco Products Directive is being discussed by the European Parliament and Council of Ministers. The Public Health Working Party has met nine times to discuss this proposal. These meetings are ongoing and will continue throughout the Irish Presidency. As Chair of the negotiations on the Directive during the Irish Presidency, we are working to progress the discussions and to build consensus among the Member States to facilitate the adoption of legislation which will ultimately reduce the number of EU citizens who die from tobacco related illnesses. This legislation is a priority for the Irish Presidency and it will be discussed at the EPSCO Council on the 21st June. I have spoken to the Lithuanian Health Minister about this proposal on a number of occasions. My officials in the Irish Permanent Representation to the EU are in contact with their Lithuanian and Greek counterparts on an ongoing basis in relation to this legislation. The Commission has expressed the hope that it will be adopted by the European Parliament and Council in 2014.