Written answers

Tuesday, 19 May 2015

Department of Health

Tobacco Control Measures

Photo of Billy KelleherBilly Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

365. To ask the Minister for Health if he is aware that the international tobacco industry is developing new tobacco based products, known as heated tobacco cigarettes, that carry the same cancer, and other health risks, as cigarettes, and that these products are being introduced into a number of European Member States; if he has received any representations from tobacco companies on the introduction of these products into the Irish market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19663/15]

Photo of Billy KelleherBilly Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

366. To ask the Minister for Health if he will confirm that the international tobacco industry will not be allowed to evade the regulation of cigarettes with new tobacco products, such as heated tobacco cigarettes; his plans to liaise with the Department of Finance to ensure a co-ordinated Government response to the regulation of heated tobacco cigarettes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19664/15]

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 365 and 366 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, tobacco control has long been a priority in this country. Ireland has been in the forefront of tobacco control legislation in Europe, and ranked second of thirty-four European countries in relation to tobacco control initiatives. Officials in my Department monitor developments in the area on an ongoing basis. Existing and emerging evidence on the potential harms and potential benefits of tobacco products and related items is monitored in order to inform decisions around any future additional regulation in the area.

Products containing tobacco are subject to the provisions of the Public Health (Tobacco) Acts 2002-2015, the Tobacco (Health Promotion and Protection) Act, 1988 and their regulations.

In addition, all tobacco containing products will be subject to the provisions set out in the revised EU Tobacco Products Directive, which has been in force from 20 May 2014. Member States have two years to transpose the new rules into national law. My Department is working in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General to put measures in place to transpose the Directive into Irish law in time to meet the 20 May 2016 deadline.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.