Plain packaging legal challenge
Senators reiterate their support for plain cigarette packaging, criticise industry-backed court actions as delaying tactics and urge the Government to confront them firmly.
I join other Senators, particularly Senator Paschal Mooney, regarding the plain packaging issue. There is no more appropriate day than Ash Wednesday on which to speak of the introduction of plain packaging. I agree with Senator Colm Burke's point about IBEC and the cost added by smoking-related illnesses to the €260 million per week that we spend on health care. It beggars belief and is deplorable that IBEC and the American Chamber of Commerce would support a global cigarette company in this way.
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I hope we will challenge the court actions head on and without fear.
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These are only delaying tactics.