asked the Minister for Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he is aware of the variation in the weight of bars of tobacco; if he will investigate this; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Weight of Tobacco.
525.
I understand that in regard to the particular brand of tobacco which is the subject of the question, there is no expression of weight on the individual bars of tobacco. These bars come in boxes which indicate the number of bars and the total weight per box.
The packaging of tobacco comes within the scope of the Packaged Goods (Quantity Control) Act, 1980. This Act gives effect to the various EEC Directives on prepackaging which, as the Deputy will be aware, we are obliged to implement. In this particular case and in accordance with the Act it is the box and not the individual bars which constitutes the package, which is subject to quantity control regulations.