Human tissue and tobacco Bills
The Deputy seeks expedited publication of the human tissue Bill and asks when standardised tobacco-packaging legislation will advance. The Taoiseach says the former remains under consideration and the latter’s heads will undergo pre-legislative scrutiny.
I have two issues to raise. I welcome the Taoiseach's comments on the human tissue Bill and ask that it be fast-tracked or expedited as quickly as possible. I know a significant amount of work has already been done on it. I welcome the Cabinet's decision on the public health (standardised packaging of tobacco) Bill, the heads of which were agreed to by the Cabinet this morning. When is that legislation expected to be brought before the House?
Comment on this
Public consultation has finished on the human tissue Bill. The submissions are being reflected on and we do not yet have a date for publication. We will follow through on the legislation.
The Deputy asked about the Bill dealing with the packaging of tobacco products. The Bill was brought before the Cabinet this morning and approved. The draft heads will go before the relevant Oireachtas committee for pre-legislative hearings, as is the proper process.