513. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health to provide details on the price of the licence and timeline of implementation of the licensing system contained in the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53255/23] 

Stephen Donnelly, Minister for Health: In relation to the licensing system to be introduced under the Public Health (Tobacco and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill, the primary factor affecting the timeline will be the development of the necessary software to underpin the licensing system. The intention is that the system will be simple to use with a minimal administrative burden on retailers wishing to apply for or renew a licence. Retailers will be given ample warning time in advance of the introduction of the system. 

In relation to the fee amount, I have not yet determined the level at which the annual fees will be set but it is my view that the fee amount should reflect the serious nature of the products being sold. 

I note that fee amounts vary considerably in other jurisdictions, ranging from the equivalent of 163 euro to 784 euro in different Australian states. A tobacco retailer annual licence costs 680 euro equivalent in Ottawa and 880 euro equivalent in Oregon. In Finland the model is a licence fee of 100 to 180 euro, plus an annual supervision fee of a maximum of 500 euro for tobacco and a maximum of 1,000 euro for tobacco and nicotine liquids combined. Within our own jurisdiction there is currently a 500 euro annual fee per category of alcohol product to be sold, so a retailer that wishes to sell wine, beer, spirits and cider will pay 2,000 euro per year. I will take these various approaches into consideration when determining the fee amount.