Under existing regulations the amount of money that may be spent by tobacco companies on tobacco advertising and sponsorship is as determined from time to time by the Minister for Health and Children. No new legal mechanism is therefore required to effect a ban.
I have advised the tobacco industry that no further expenditure will be allowed after 1 July this year on tobacco advertising and sponsorship other than for limited retail and trade advertising. This is in line with the EU directive banning tobacco advertising and sponsorship.
I have asked the new Office of Tobacco Control to work closely, as a priority, with my Department to formulate a comprehensive tobacco Bill.