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Tobacco Control Measures

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2013

Tuesday, 5 November 2013

Questions (1010, 1011)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1010. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if the increase of the tobacco retailers licensing charge proposed in Budget 2014 is purely a revenue-raising facility or if it is designed primarily as a public health promoting measure; if the former, if he has taken into account the potential loss to the State of revenues by an increase in black-market trade which may result from this measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45891/13]

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Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

1011. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Health with regard to the licensing for the sale of tobacco products in a small rural shop, the cost to purchase this type of licence and if he will indicate the quantity of cigarettes that would need to be sold in order to recoup the cost of this licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45896/13]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1010 and 1011 together.

Retail measures were introduced in July 2009 (Point of Sale Display and Advertising Ban).

Currently under Irish Tobacco Control Legislation a retailer wishing to sell tobacco products must register with the Health Service Executive (HSE) and be placed on the Retail Register for the sale of tobacco products. Under the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2002 as amended the HSE may charge a fee as may be determined by the Minister for Health. To date this has been a once off fee of €50 per applicant.

The Government proposes to increase the Retail Register fee during 2014 in the context of legislation to provide for the licensing of the sale of tobacco products as outlined in Tobacco Free Ireland which was approved by Government in July of this year.

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