Seán Crowe, An Cathaoirleach: This meeting has been convened to consider Committee Stage of the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill 2023. The primary objective of the Bill is to reduce the health harms of smoking by reducing the use of tobacco products and nicotine inhaling products, especially by young people. The Bill will achieve these objectives through the introduction of a licensing system for the retail sale of these products and restrictions on sale and advertising, and the strengthening of the powers of the enforcement authority, namely, the environmental health service of the HSE.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I also remind members that they are only allowed to participate in this meeting if they are physically located in the Leinster House campus. In this regard, I ask all members, prior to making their contribution to the meeting, to confirm that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus. Should a division be called, members must come to the committee room to vote.

In consideration of the Bill, I welcome the Minister for Health, Deputy Donnelly, to the meeting. I believe he does not have an opening statement.

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