Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

958. To ask the Minister for Health if he will outline his interactions with European counterparts and the European Commission to date on pending regulations or directives regarding hand rolling tobacco; if he will outline the implications; if he will state the proposed effects on the sale of rolling tobacco; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26960/13]

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

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 thirteen times to discuss this proposal. These negotiations are on-going and no conclusion has been reached in relation to the Commission proposal in Article 13 regarding roll-your-own tobacco.

As Chair of the negotiations on the Directive during the Irish Presidency, we are working to progress the discussion 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. The Commission has expressed the hope that it will be adopted by the European Parliament and Council in 2014.