Tipperary retailers hit out at smoking plans from Health Minister

Minister Dr James Reilly yesterday unveiled plans to make Ireland smoke-free by 2025 and reduce prevalence rates to just five per cent over the next 12 years.

The Irish Cancer Society has welcomed the plans; however, retailers say that the plans will increase black market trade and illegal smuggling.

Michael McDermott, executive member of the National Federation of Retail Newsagents, and Clonmel retailer, says that they welcome the Governments plans to reduce smoking rates but that more should be done to tackle illegal smuggling.