Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 October 2021
687. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the extent to which his Department has been engaging at a European level and with the European Director General for Health on the need for a common position ahead of the next session of the conference of the parties to the WHO FCTC and of the meeting of parties to the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48205/21]
View answer688. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the priorities for the upcoming session of the conference of the parties to the WHO FCTC and of the meeting of parties to the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products as a signatory to the protocol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48206/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 687 and 688 together.
The ninth Conference of Parties (COP9) to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and the second Meeting of Parties (MOP2) to the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products are an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to ending the tobacco epidemic, and participate in the global action required to achieve it. Due to COVID-19, COP9 and MOP2 are to be held virtually, with a number of items for consideration deferred to the next sessions in 2023.
A priority for Ireland is strong implementation of Article 5.3 on protecting tobacco control policies from industry interference. This continues to be a challenge around the world. Reminders of Ireland's obligations under Article 5.3 have already been issued to Government Department and to elected officials and guidance for public representatives and officials on this topic is being developed by my Department.
Ending illicit trade in tobacco is another critical step in achieving a tobacco free Ireland, and currently my Department examining the next steps to take in order to be in a position to ratify the Protocol to the FCTC on that issue.
Ahead of COP9 and MOP2, my Department continues to engage regularly at EU level in order to develop a common EU position on the agenda items for consideration.
