Vol. 515 No. 2
14 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has concluded his consideration on whether the State will sue tobacco companies for costs incurred in treating people suffering from smoking related illnesses; if not, when he will make a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5504/00]
The Tobacco Free Policy Group established to carry out a fundamental review on tobacco and health also completed an interim report on litigation against the tobacco industry in the United States, the UK and in Europe generally.
Deputies will be aware that the report of the Joint Committee on Health and Children on smoking and health includes a section dealing with litigation against the tobacco industry in which it was recommended that the committee should be given powers of compellability in relation to documents and people for an inquiry into the tobacco industry. I believe this would be a very valuable exercise, the outcome of which should inform any future decision on the State's involvement in any such litigation. I have indicated to the Chief Whip that I would support the committee's proposal. It would then be my hope that the committee would consider the interim report of the Tobacco Free Policy Group on litigation in this context.
The issue of compellability is a matter for a committee of the House. I support the committee's approach to the issue and before one could make a definitive conclusion in relation to taking a decision to sue tobacco companies, it would be prudent to await the outcome of the inquiry which the committee will undertake.
When does the Minister expect the committee will be able to begin this work since it is essential to his final decision? When does he expect the procedures in relation to the compellability of witnesses will be dealt with?
I hope very quickly. I have had discussions with the Chief Whip and it has Government approval, although it is technically a matter for the Oireachtas.
Will it come to the Oireachtas?
That is my understanding. The Chief Whip is the chair of the committee which makes decisions on committees taking on powers. A motion comes to the House to begin an inquiry with compellability powers to summon witnesses and so on.
