Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 May 2016
458. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health when the legislation to introduce plain packaging on tobacco products will be brought before the House; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11479/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Public Health (Standardised Packaging of Tobacco) Act 2015 (“the 2015 Act”) was enacted in March last year.
As well as providing for the standardised packaging of tobacco products, the 2015 Act also gives effect in part to Directive 2014/40/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 3rd April 2014 on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States concerning the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco and related products. The provisions of the 2015 Act which give effect to the Directive came into force on 20th May, 2016, as required by the Directive.
Part 5 of the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2016 seeks to amend certain sections of the 2015 Act as they pertain to Regulations made under the 2015 Act. The legislative process for this Bill has been initiated in the Houses of the Oireachtas. However, due to the unforeseen and unusual delay in the formation of the Government, the legislative process for this Bill has not progressed to date, we are currently awaiting dates to bring the Bill before the House.
