Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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451. To ask the Minister for Health if he will ensure that officials of his Department will meet and consult with representatives of the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association on the matter of the sale, distribution and control of tobacco products in the context of current and proposed public health policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48003/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, 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.

In order to implement the actions outlined in Tobacco Free Ireland, my Department will be developing an action plan. As part of this process, officials will be engaging with all appropriate stakeholders.