FG want cigarette sales banned in pubs
Delegates at the Fine Gael Árd Fheis have asked the Minister for Health James Reilly to explore banning the sale of cigarettes in pubs.
They have also made it official party policy to regulate the sale of electronic cigarettes.
The conference continues today with discussion on issues about justice and the economy.
Health minister James Reilly says he'll do whatever it takes to stop young people from taking up smoking.
The original motion proposed a ban on selling cigarettes on any premises where alcohol is sold or consumed.
However, despite the party's policy of working towards a tobacco free Ireland it was eventually watered down to have the Minister explore the possibility of such a ban.
James Reilly vowed to fight tobacco companies opposed to plain packaging who he says were guilty of entrapment.
He also repeatedly pledged the first steps towards legislation on Universal Health Insurance will be published within weeks.
Also, despite the concerns about costs in recent weeks, the Taoiseach Enda Kenny used his opening speech to vow UHI was on the way.
Motions today will focus on the economy, including cutting taxes when the economy allows, but one motion also calls to legalise cannabis.
