The end of branded packaging for cigarettes will protect many teenagers from taking up the habit that claims the lives of more than 5,200 Irish people a year, Health Minister James Reilly has claimed.
The Cabinet has given the go-ahead to the measure, which is aimed at reducing the appeal of colourful packets to young people in particular.
However, although the reaction was positive from public-health doctors and anti- smoking groups, tobacco companies and newsagents warned that the measure would only increase smuggling.
The minister, who has been known to enjoy a cigar in the past, insisted that he would not be deterred and said cracking down on smuggling was a matter for strict law enforcement.
Dr Reilly said he was confident that the legislation would be enacted early next year.
Ireland will become only the second country in the world to introduce the unbranded boxes, which will display graphic warning images. It is following Australia, the first country to enact such tough laws.
Dr Reilly said that as a GP he had seen the way smoking wrecked the health of some patients. He recalled seeing a man with an oxygen tank sneaking out of hospital to light up.
The new measure is aimed at stopping cigarette companies from using marketing tactics such as packet size, colour and style to attract young smokers.
Cigarette boxes will be a generic size and colour and will only feature the brand name on the bottom, accompanied by a picture showing the harmful effects of cigarettes.
Source: Eilish O'Regan, Irish Independent, 29/05/13
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