Ireland leading the way in anti-smoking measures – Byrne

Fine Gael Dublin South Central TD, and member of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health, Catherine Byrne, has today (Tuesday) welcomed the publication of the Public Health (Standardised Packaging of Tobacco) Bill 2014 which will introduce plain packaging for tobacco products.

“As the first EU country to introduce plain packaging for tobacco, Ireland really is leading the way in terms of our anti-smoking policy. I strongly welcome the introduction of this legislation which will remove all forms of branding including trademarks, logo, colours and graphics from cigarette packs.

“We are only the third country in the world to introduce this legislation for plain packaging designed to curb the marketing power of cigarette companies. As a result we have sparked fear across the global tobacco industry which only goes to show that the big cigarette companies have real concerns that the measure will work.

“Targeting the marketing abilities of these companies will reduce the numbers of people buying cigarettes, and in particular, reduce the number of children and young people taking up smoking in the first place. Despite the best efforts of global tobacco companies to lobby Minister for Health, James Reilly to change his mind on this legislation, he stood fast. There is simply no argument in favour of smoking.

“Today’s legislation forms part of the Government’s comprehensive plan to combat smoking in Ireland. Reducing the numbers of smokers in this country will have hugely positive impacts on the long term health of the nation. It will also reduce the future public health bill significantly.

“I look forward to contributing to the debate on this legislation in the Dáil and scrutinising the measures contained in the Bill at the Oireachtas Health Committee.”