Tobacco producing nations are expected to challenge Ireland’s move to outlaw branded tobacco packaging, the new junior jobs minister has been warned by his department.
Ireland will likely face a constitutional challenge and complaints to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) over the anti-smoking move, Ged Nash was told by his officials.
Countries and firms are watching events as it may dictate how governments legislate for other harmful goods such as alcohol and fats, officials say. Global tobacco giant Philip Morris also said this week it would sue Britain for £11bn if plain packaging for cigarettes is enforced there.
Documents obtained by the Irish Examiner show officials told Mr Nash that Ireland faces “scrutiny and questioning” on the new law at a key WTO meeting in November.
Australia is already facing challenges from Cuba and Indonesia among nations to its ban on tobacco branding. The tobacco producing countries claim the rules breach trade and intellectual property regulations.
Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation briefing notes for Mr Nash released under Freedom of Information outline what lies ahead for Ireland in the tobacco dispute.
“Ireland might expect to have (a) a constitutional challenge and (b) to have complaints against it at the WTO, by producing countries,” it states.
The notes were drawn up by two department assistant secretaries general.
Source: Juno McEnroe, Irish Examiner, 14/08/14
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