I previously indicated to the House in May that I am aware that the Australian Government has initiated legislation requiring plain packaging for cigarettes. My Department receives regular updates from the Australian Embassy as to the progress of this legislation, which is currently being debated in the Australian Senate. It should be noted, however, that on June 27 2011, Philip Morris Asia (PMA) initiated legal action against the introduction of this legislation. The company announced that it had served a notice of claim on the Australian Government, stating its intention to pursue legal action over plans to introduce plain packaging in Australia for tobacco products.
With regards to the possibility of introducing plain packaging here in Ireland, I believe it is one of a range of measures under consideration by the Tobacco Policy Review Group (TPRG). I anticipate that the report of the TPRG will be completed in the coming months and I will consider the recommendations therein with a view, thereafter, to bringing the Review outcomes to Government for consideration.
I am also aware that plain packaging is being considered in the context of the possible revision of the Tobacco Products Directive and I await with anticipation the Commission's legislative proposal in this regard which is due in the first half of 2012. The outcome of this forthcoming revision of the Tobacco Products Directive and the outcome of the Australian litigation will further inform future policy in this area.