Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to add my words of congratulations and applause to the Minister for his courage and determination in bringing forward this very important legislation. It came as no surprise to us that the tobacco industry, which is a multi-billion euro industry, would use all its resources and tactics to try to stop the passage of this legislation. The Bill being passed, which was initiated in the Seanad, is a very significant initiative. As stated, Ireland is the second country to introduce this type of legislation. In years to come, the Minister will be judged on the significant positive impact this legislation will have on the health of the nation. I have no doubt that 4 March 2015 will be referred to as a very significant date in helping to improve the health of the nation.

At the start of the debate the Visitors Gallery was full of young, healthy students who had probably never smoked. How do we get the message across to those young people that they should not take that first cigarette and go down the road of smoking? We look to Ms Kathleen O'Meara in the Visitors Gallery and other organisations who have consistently highlighted the risks. Government resources should be put into highlighting the dangers and ill effects on health due to tobacco consumption. I look forward to the day when the country might be tobacco free, something to which Senator John Crown aspires. We would all like to see that happen by 2025, if possible.

I support also what Senator Crown has said in respect of the Government using public relations companies that are closely linked to the tobacco industry. Like Senator David Norris, I am concerned as to how the use of legal firms might play out, but I will not go down that road today. This is a highly significant occasion. The Minister has shown that he is a man of steel. He persisted against the most appalling intimidation and pressure from a very wealthy organisation, for which I congratulate him. I hope many lives are saved as a result of the passing of this legislation and that resources will be freed up in the health services that can be put to other areas of preventative medicine. I say well done to the Minister and congratulations to every member of the Oireachtas who supported the Bill without exception. It must be unique that there was not one dissenting voice in either House of the Oireachtas against this legislation.