201 Deputy Joe Behan asked the Minister for Finance if he or officials of his Department have met with representatives of the tobacco industry to discuss Budget 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39020/10]

It is normal practice for officials of my Department to meet with various interest groups, especially in the run-up to the annual Budget. In that context, officials of my Department met with representatives of the tobacco industry in September 2010.