Plain packaging of cigarettes is a progressive move in the fight against smoking – Burke

Fine Gael Cork North Central Senator, and member of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health Colm Burke, has welcomed the publication of the Public Health (Standardised Packaging of Tobacco) Bill 2014 this week, which will introduce plain packaging for tobacco products.

“I was delighted to see the Public Health (Standardised Packaging of Tobacco) Bill 2014 reach the Seanad this week. This legislation is a really progressive move in the fight against smoking as it will remove all forms of branding including trademarks, logo, colours and graphics from cigarette packs.

“Combatting the effects of marketing cigarettes to young people will go a long way towards decreasing the numbers of new smokers each year.

“The big cigarette companies have real concerns about this legislation, which only goes to show that they fear it will work. The tobacco industry has raised the weak argument of smuggling as a reason not to progress the plans for plain packaging. There is no evidence to show a risk of increased smuggling. It is clearly nonsense and an attempt to divert from the real issue, the fact that smoking kills.

“Today’s legislation forms part of the Government’s comprehensive plan to combat smoking in Ireland. Reducing the numbers of smokers in this country will have hugely positive impacts on the long term health of the nation. It will also reduce the future public health bill significantly.

“I look forward to contributing to the debate on this legislation and to scrutinising the contents of the Bill at the Oireachtas Health Committee.”