Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 11 Nov 1999

Vol. 510 No. 5

Written Answers. - Tobacco Industry.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

16 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children the consideration, if any, he has given to the possibility of mounting an action by or on behalf of the State against the tobacco industry to recover damages for the costs incurred by the State and its health agencies by reason of the circulation of a drug which was known by its distributors to be severely damaging to health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19562/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen):

The tobacco free policy group which I established to carry out a fundamental review of tobacco and health policy is also monitoring litigation against the tobacco industry in the US. The group prepared an interim report on this matter which was referred to the Attorney General for advice as to the method of release of the report. That advice has not been received and is being examined in my Department.