This morning the Irish government approved of the first draft of laws that will permit plain packaging of cigarettes . This is include the removal of all tobacco branding from cigarette packets.The bill will also allow for larger health warnings on a standard packet of cigarettes and will go to the Oireachtas health committee for its feedback.
The Minister for health. Dr James Reilly has been a ardent supporter of plain packaging. He believes that that strong colours and designs of tobacco packaging have played role in encouraging young people to smoke. A number of anti-smoking organisations, including the Irish Cancer Society have lobbied for such restrictions to be introduced.
However, The National Federation of Retail Newsagents along with the tobacco industry are opposed to the new legislation.
Ireland has one of the highest per capita rate of adult smokers in Europe with some 29% of adults smoking.
