Council lends its support to tobacco firm following Examiner exclusive
Westmeath County Council has thrown its support behind local firm, Imperial Tobacco, which, the Westmeath Examiner last week exclusively revealed, is concerned that a proposed new EU Tobacco Directive could affect jobs at its Mullingar factory.
There are 120 people employed at Imperial Tobacco, on the Dublin Road, and the firm is alarmed over the EU proposal that a ban on the sale of packs of roll-your-own tobacco weighing below 40g would hit it badly.
Prior to the county council’s April meeting, Declan Hughes, managing director of Imperial Tobacco explained to councillors that in Mullingar, Imperial Tobacco makes 80.4m packs for EU markets in packs of less than 40g.
“If this law was agreed 53% of our current production would cease” said Mr Hughes, going on to explain that of the 20 roll-your-own tobacco products currently on the Irish market, 19 are in formats less than 40g.
Mullingar produces 12.5g and 25g Golden Virginia for the Irish market.
“If only 40g rolling tobacco could be sold, the price to Irish consumers per pouch would more than triple,” he said.
“This makes no sense as it would increase further the already thriving illegal tobacco trade in this country.”
At the council’s monthly meeting, councillors suspended standing orders to hear views on the issue, since the item was not on the agenda for the day’s business.
Councillor Paddy Hill raised the issue: “I believe this is something the government doesn’t have to accept: personally, I don’t have a great deal of time for tobacco, but it won’t help to solve the problem the EU hopes it will solve,” he said, suggesting that the Council write to the relevant government ministers outlining local concerns.
Cllr Ken Glynn seconded his call, saying that Imperial Tobacco pays out €8m annually in wages in Mullingar. Although a non-smoker himself, he suggested the council write to Minister Richard Buton and ask him what discussions have taken place with the health minister over the issue.
“The other thing: education is the best way to reduce smoking out there,” he added.
Cllr Johnny Penrose, cathaoirleach of the council, said he was confident everyone felt the same way on the issue.
See last week's story here: http://www.westmeathexaminer.ie/news/roundup/articles/2013/04/25/4015493-mullingars-tobacco-factory-concerned-about-proposed-eu-directive/