Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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372. To ask the Minister for Health if an increase in the consumption of tobacco has been noted during the Covid-19 associated lockdown; if specific counter measures are anticipated to address the issue with particular reference to the extent to which he might be advised by an association (details supplied) with a view to satisfactory arrangement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53914/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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A survey commissioned by the European Commission on Attitudes of Europeans towards tobacco and electronic cigarettesindicates that in 2020 on average Irish people smoked 13.1 cigarettes a day. This represents a marginal reduction of 0.2 of a cigarette on the average number of cigarettes smoked by individuals in the period 2017-2020 and a reduction of 3.3 cigarettes for the period 2012-2020. The survey was conducted between August and September 2020 indicating that cigarette consumption did not increase in the five to six months following the introduction of the COVID-19 related public health measures.

As Minister for Health I will continue to be guided by public health experts and public health research and evidence on effective tobacco control measures.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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373. To ask the Minister for Health if he considers the introduction of legislation desirable to prevent the sale of cigarettes in packs of more than 20; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53915/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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There are currently no plans to introduce legislation prohibiting the sale of cigarettes in packs of more than 20 at this time. The ban on packets of cigarettes containing less than 20 cigarettes was introduced on the basis that cigarettes in smaller and consequently cheaper packets increases affordability for minors. There is currently a dearth of evidence to indicate that a measure preventing the sale of packs of more than 20 cigarettes would impact on consumption or prevalence. My Department will continue to monitor any emerging evidence on the issue.