The world's biggest cigarette firm is threatening to sue the State over the new law on plain cigarette packaging.
President Michael D Higgins must decide in the next 72 hours whether to sign the legislation into law.
Philip Morris International (PMI), whose annual revenue of US$80bn is bigger than Ireland's tax take, says it will sue for damages if the law proceeds - forcing it to incur manufacturing costs - and an EU test case on plain packaging succeeds.
The US multi-national, which makes the 'Marlboro' brand warns: "PMI would have strong grounds to commence a claim for damages against the State in order to recover the costs highlighted above. Should it be necessary, PMI would pursue such a claim vigorously and without delay."
A letter to Taoiseach Enda Kenny and several other ministers arrived last month. The Government is currently preparing a response through the Chief State Solicitor's Office.
The legal letter was sent by the Irish legal firm Matheson.
Last week, Ireland became only the second country in the world to pass legislation requiring cigarettes to be sold in plain packets.
Japan Tobacco International and Imperial Tobacco Group have already said they would take legal action against the plan to ban the colourful logos used to sell tobacco brands but the Government has said it plans to proceed.
The law was approved by the Dail and the Seanad last week and the bill is expected to be signed into law by the President in the coming days.
Source: Fionnan Sheahan, Irish Independent, 09/03/15
Safer Student Nights
eBulletin
Poll
