Vol. 501 No. 3
78 Mr. Power asked the Minister for Health and Children the consideration, if any, the Government has given to suing major tobacco companies for the damage they have caused to the health of many Irish people and the resulting massive cost to the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4765/99]
241 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, he has to take legal action against tobacco companies in order to recoup some of the costs of treating patients with smoking related illnesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6043/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 78 and 241 together.
Litigation by the State against the tobacco industry to recoup expenditure incurred in treating tobacco related illnesses is one of the issues being considered by the smoke free policy group established by me. The group expects to have a report for me shortly.
