asked the Minister for Health if he has yet formulated his recommendations to health authorities concerning the steps to be taken to publicise the dangers of cigarette smoking as a causating factor in developing cancer of the lungs, and, if so if he will state what these recommendations are.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dangers of Cigarette Smoking.
asked the Minister for Health if he has sought or received recommendations from any reputable medical authorities in this country concerning the steps it is desirable to take in order to counteract the danger to public health involved in cigarette smoking, and, if so, if he will state what those recommendations are.
I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to reply to Questions Nos. 22 and 23 together.
As the Deputy is aware, if it is to be effective, any statement which the Minister for Health may make in regard to this or any other matter of public interest must be preceded by careful and detailed consideration and by a judicious balancing of the relevant factors and, furthermore, it must avoid any leaning to tendentousness in one direction or the other.
The Deputy may be assured that all available and significant scientific and medical data relating to this vexed question are being carefully studied in my Department with a view to the preparation of a comprehensive and convincing review of the position.
When this review has been completed and rational conclusions arrived at, effective steps will be taken to ensure that these secure such immediate and sustained publicity as the importance of the subject matter merits.
Could the Minister say why it is taking us so much longer than any other country to arrive at conclusions already reached some months ago in other places? Would it not be fairer and more honest for the Minister to admit that he has no intention of taking any effective steps in this matter lest he should interfere with the revenue from the taxes on tobacco and cigarettes, and that his first interest is in that?
I am awfully sorry, but the Deputy ought to grow up. Does the Deputy for a moment believe that any Minister for Health in considering a matter like this would be influenced by the consideration the Deputy suggests?
The series of evasive answers——
I am not at all evasive. I just refuse to make this serious matter the occasion for political stunting.
There is no political stunting.