Will the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Ministers use the opportunity of their forthcoming visits abroad, particularly to the United States, to convey the deep disquiet of this State with regard to the threats by tobacco companies to sue this State because of its attempts to reduce tobacco consumption in this country? Senators and Governors have been in contact with Deputies in this House to inform them of their concerns about Ireland's attempt to reduce tobacco consumption. It would be appropriate for members of the Government, wherever possible and practical, to convey to those on Capitol Hill and others in the United States that the Irish people take a very dim view of threats by tobacco companies to sue this State. Members of the Government should use every forum possible within diplomatic confines to convey that message.

There is no particular legislation on this matter but the Government takes the issue of tobacco very seriously. The most recent announcement on plain packaging is very welcome. We will continue to take every action we can to reduce tobacco consumption in this country.