Dublin South West Sinn Féin TD, Seán Crowe, has expressed his disappointment at the news that Japan Tobacco International (JTI) Ireland, which own Benson and Hedges and Silk Cut, are to take legal action against proposals to introduce plain packaging on cigarettes.

Crowe said that the threatened court action by a tobacco company will come as no surprise to health activists and should serve as a warning to governments on the potential dangers of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP).

Deputy Seán Crowe said:

“I am extremely disappointed, but not anyway surprised, that a tobacco company is challenging elements of the legislation that proposes to bring in plain packaging for cigarettes and other tobacco products.

“Tobacco multi nationals have challenged similar legislation all over the world and it seems Ireland will not be the exception

“Plain packaging does work and research shows that it has led to a reduction in the take up of tobacco products by younger individuals.

“This is extremely important as Ireland has 5,200 tobacco related deaths a year, that’s 15 deaths every day, and 100 families bereaved every week.

Deputy Seán Crowe continued:

“The issue is also newsworthy as it coincides with the debate around the potential dangers of TTIP.

“One of the more controversial elements of the proposed Trade and Investment Partnership between the European Union and the US is the inclusion of Investor State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) mechanisms, which would allow private companies to Governments in investor led tribunals outside of the normal court system.

“It allows Multi-National Corporations to take action under ISDS when there is a projected loss of profits and as it currently stands, there is no provision for an appeal mechanism.

“ISDS is the mechanism by which Canada is being sued for a moratorium on fracking and Australia has been sued by the tobacco companies on foot of its public health measures against smoking.

“There can be no doubt that ISDS, if implemented, would make it much simpler for tobacco companies to succeed against the Government and reduce the ability of States to make laws which protect the health and wellbeing of citizens.

“The fact that the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation has already signed a letter supporting a ISDS mechanism in the absence of a clear analysis of the potential consequences of this trade agreement on Ireland, is my opinion extremely short sighted.

“I am calling on the Government to wake up, see the potential danger of ISDS and take steps to ensure that Ireland’s interests are protected as the TTIP talks continue.”

ENDS