Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 10 Dec 1997

Vol. 484 No. 4

Written Answers - Compensation from Tobacco Industry.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

87 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the case being made for legal action against major tobacco companies by people who have suffered severe ill-health from cigarette smoking, he will outline his position regarding funding this action; the relevant research, if any, in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22461/97]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

Any decision on this matter will entail careful assessment of the strategy to be pursued. I have set up a group representative of the administrative, medical and legal professions within the health service to advise me on the question of legal action against the tobacco industry. Following this I will then consult the Government on the matter.