Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 9 Oct 2002

Vol. 554 No. 5

Written Answers. - Tobacco Products

John Perry

Ceist:

923 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children when he will be signing the commencement order for the Public Health (Tobacco) Act, 2002, in respect to the parts of the Act dealing with the sale and display of tobacco products in retail grocery outlets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15497/02]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

The Public Health (Tobacco) Act, 2002 (No. 6 of 2002) was signed into law by the President on 27 March 2002. Part 2 of the Act, which provides for the establishment of the Office of Tobacco Control on a statutory basis, was commenced with effect from 31 May 2002.

The scheduling of the implementation process for Part 3 of the Act, which will require the making of commencement orders and regulations, is currently under consideration.

I will make allowance for a reasonable lead-in time for retailers to comply with the relevant sections of the Act dealing with the retailing of tobacco products. The retailing organisations were advised of this during discussions following publication of the Bill. Further consultations will be carried out with the appropriate retailing organisations.

Question No. 924 answered with Question No. 902.