Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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171. To ask the Minister for Health if representatives of the retail industry and vintners will be included in discussions on the implementation of Towards a Tobacco Free Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47268/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Department of Health’s policy on smoking is to promote and subsequently move toward a tobacco free society. Ireland’s current policy document, Tobacco Free Ireland, which I launched on 3 October 2013, sets a target for Ireland to be tobacco free (i.e. with a prevalence rate of less than 5%) by 2025. Tobacco Free Ireland addresses a range of tobacco control issues and initiatives and contains over 60 recommendations. The two key themes underpinning the report are protecting children and the denormalisation of smoking. My Department will be developing an action plan for the implementation of the actions outlined in Tobacco Free Ireland. As part of this process, it will be engaging with all appropriate stakeholders.

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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172. To ask the Minister for Health the number of court convictions that were recorded against registered owners of self-service tobacco vending machines in respect of sales to minors each year for the past five years. [47269/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Under the provisions of the Public Health (Tobacco) Acts 2002 and 2004, commenced with effect from 1 July 2009, there is a requirement for all retailers who wish to sell tobacco products to register with the National Tobacco Control Office. The legislation also places a prohibition on self-service vending machines except in licensed premises or in registered clubs. The National Tobacco Control Office is responsible for the enforcement of tobacco legislation. As this is a service matter, I have referred this question to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.