Tobacco Control Measures

Wednesday, 17 September 2014

Questions (764, 766, 777, 878)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

764. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the revenue that would be raised by charging a €500 tobacco licence fee on retailers. [33845/14]

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766. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health his views on the proposed introduction of a tobacco licence fee (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34733/14]

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Terence Flanagan

Question:

777. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health his plans to continue the policy of increasing the licensing fee charged to tobacco retailers from a one off payment of €50 to an annual fee of €500; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32979/14]

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Michael McGrath

Question:

878. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health his position regarding the future of cigarette vending machines; the retail licence fee that applies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33342/14]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 764, 766, 777 and 878 together.

In June 2014, the Government approved the drafting of a General Scheme of a Bill to provide for the introduction of a licensing system and other measures in relation to the sale of tobacco products and non-medicinal nicotine delivery systems (including e-cigarettes).

The proposed licensing system will facilitate stricter controls for the selling of tobacco products in line with Tobacco Free Ireland. Under current legislation, any retailer wishing to sell tobacco products must be registered with the HSE National Tobacco Control Office and pay a registration fee. However, there is a significant anomaly in that registration is applied per retailer, rather than by premises. This means that multiple retailers like supermarket chains make a single once-off payment, regardless of the number of outlets they have. It is proposed that this new measure will address that anomaly by licensing the sale of tobacco products on a premises bases and providing for the payment of an annual fee.

Work is ongoing in relation to this legislation and as such details, including fees have not yet been determined. A consultation process will be conducted as part of the Regulatory Impact Analysis and all interested parties will be provided with an opportunity to contribute through this process.

Question No. 765 answered with Question No. 761.

Question No. 766 answered with Question No. 764.