Vol. 541 No. 2
646 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children when he will take Second Stage of the Public Health and Tobacco Bill, 2001; the consideration he has given to the proposal by operators of cigarette vending machines to introduce a token system to control the sale of cigarettes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22461/01]
On 1 August 2001 I published the new Public Health (Tobacco) Bill, 2001, to give effect to the proposals in the Government's policy document Towards a Tobacco Free Society. I propose to introduce the Bill in the Dáil at the earliest possible date. However, at this stage, I am awaiting confirmation of a date for the Second Stage of this Bill.
I am particularly concerned over the levels of smoking among children and unrestricted access by underage persons to cigarettes from vending machines. About 30% of the adult population are severely addicted to nicotine in tobacco products and the vast majority of smokers become addicted in their childhood and teenage years. Many vending machines are located in areas of premises, often out of sight of staff, where there is no form of supervision.
The new Public Health (Tobacco) Bill, 2001, provides for much tighter controls on all aspects of tobacco retailing including access to vending machines. I have informed the representative body of cigarette machine operators of the need for much tighter controls on cigarette vending machines. I have confirmed to them that future regulations in this area will be drafted in such a way as to provide for the sale of tobacco products in licensed premises only from vending machines activated for each sale by a unique coin or token available only from staff on the premises. The machines, which will have a locking device, will be located beside, on or behind the bar counter under the direct supervision of staff.
