285. Deputy Derek Nolanasked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when legislation to allow for plain packaging of cigarettes will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47133/14]

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy James Reilly): As the Deputy will be aware; on 10 June 2014 Government approved the publication of the Public Health (Standardised Packaging of Tobacco) Bill 2014 and the presentation of the Bill in the Seanad. The Bill was passed in the Seanad in June, and completed Second Stage in the Dáil on 2 October 2014.

On 17 June, formal notification of the publication of the Bill was made to the Commission and to Member States under the EU Technical Standards Directive (98/34/EC) and the Tobacco Products Directive (2014/40/EU). The Commission and Member States had until 18 September to comment or provide detailed opinions on the proposed measures under the Technical Standards Directive. As detailed opinions have been received, the standstill period has been extended until 18 December 2014. The legislative process cannot continue until after this standstill period elapses.