asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the desire of the Irish Tobacco Manufacturers Advisory Committee to meet him to discuss his proposals for amending the Tobacco Product Act, 1978; whether a day for such a meeting has been arranged; if he has communicated the comprehensive list of the proposed amendments to union and management in the tobacco industry which gives employment to over 1,000 people in the Dublin area alone; if he agrees that full prior consultation with both sides of the industry is required prior to the introduction of legislation change; if he will indicate the major areas of change presently under consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Tobacco Product New Legislation.
534.
I am aware of the desire of the Irish Tobacco Manufacturers Advisory Committee to meet me to discuss the recent decision by the Government to introduce new legislation on the control and consumption of tobacco products. I have written to the chairman of the committee and told him that I will be willing to meet with his committee when the Bill introducing the new controls has been drafted in its final form. I may add that officials of my Department recently met representatives of the advisory committee to outline the proposed changes in the legislation.
The drafting of the Bill is now at an advanced stage and I will be willing to meet with the various trade union interests when the draft Bill is finalised. Both sides of the industry will then have an opportunity of outlining their views to me of the Bill as drafted.
There are three main areas of change proposed. Firstly, provision for stronger controls in relation to health warnings on tobacco product packages and advertisement. Secondly, provision for the restriction of smoking in certain designated areas and facilities used by the public. Thirdly, provision for the payment by tobacco companies of a health education levy of two per cent of their advertising and sponsorship budgets. This money will be made available to the health education bureau for public education in the area of smoking and health. I am satisfied that these changes are necessary in view of the overwhelming medical evidence of the health consequences of smoking.