Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 October 2014
212. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm the quality authority that monitors the quality and ingredients used in cigarettes that are sold legally on the market here; if new chemicals or substances used in the manufacture of these cigarettes in recent years are cleared by a regulating authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39298/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe ingredients contained in cigarettes are reported to the Health Service Executive's National Tobacco Control Office on an annual basis in accordance with the obligations set out as follows.
Under current Irish legislation the yields of tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide in cigarettes are regulated as set out in SI No 425/2003 European Communities (Manufacture, Presentation and Sale of Tobacco Products) Regulations 2003.
In addition under these regulations manufacturers are obliged as follows:
“6. (1) Any person manufacturing tobacco products in the State or importing tobacco products into the State, shall submit the following to the Office -
(a) a list of all ingredients, and quantities thereof, used in the manufacture of those tobacco products by brand name and type, and
(b) a statement setting out the reasons for the inclusion of such ingredients in those tobacco products, indicating their function and category, and
(c) the toxicological data available to such person regarding such ingredients in burnt or unburnt form as appropriate, referring in particular to their effects on health and taking into account, inter alia any addictive effects.
Under the new EU Tobacco Products Directive adopted this year mandatory reporting on ingredients is foreseen for all tobacco products through a standardised electronic format. Enhanced reporting obligations will be in place for certain frequently used substances found in cigarettes and roll your own tobacco. This will enable regulators to gain more information on the ingredients contained in tobacco products and their effects on health and addiction. Member States have until May 2016 to transpose this Directive.
