Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 3 Dec 1998

Vol. 497 No. 7

Written Answers - Action Against Tobacco Industry.

Noel O'Flynn

Ceist:

141 Mr. O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will provide resources to assist in the funding of research for a group of individ uals, the representatives of whom met officials of his Department in November 1997, who are to embark on actions against the major tobacco companies in relation to illnesses which have been caused by their addiction to tobacco; if he will meet with these individuals to discuss this matter in view of the fact that over 6,000 people die every year from smoking related illnesses; and if he is considering taking action against the tob acco industry to recoup the phenomenal cost to the health service resulting from tobacco smoking in view of the success of actions in the United States of America. [26203/98]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

I met with representatives of Action on Smoking and Health and other organisations — Irish Medical Organisation, Irish Nurses Organisation, Irish Heart Foundation, Irish Cancer Society — on 3 December 1998 regarding health and tobacco policy generally.

I have agreed with representatives of the above organisations to support the development of a tobacco information resource and research centre. This centre, when operational, will be a valuable source of information on all aspects of smoking cessation, prevention, tobacco law and the economics of the tobacco industry. It is pro posed to establish a project team to oversee the development of this centre. Smokers and persons who have been made ill by tobacco products and their representatives will be able to access this database.

It would not be possible for me to meet every individual contemplating litigation against the tobacco industry. However, senior officials from my Department are available to meet with their representatives.

On taking office I established a policy review group to carry out a fundamental review on smoking and health policy. One of the areas being looked at is the issue of possible litigation against the industry by the State. When the group reports to me, I will make a determination on the matter.