Newly appointed Children and Youth Affairs Minister James Reilly is likely to retain authority over public health issues such as tobacco control and obesity in his new role, following today's Cabinet reshuffle, government sources have indicated.
Earlier today, Leo Varadkar was been named the new Minister for Health, following his move from the Transport and Sport portfolio. Reilly had been tipped to take the position of Minister for Foreign Affairs before today's announcement.
Minister Reilly's Plain Packaging Bill, which was presented to the Dáil last month. remaining under consideration until Second Stage and Committee Stage debates can take place.
Back in 2009, while in opposition, Minister Varadkar told the Dáil: "I have been sceptical of some of the policies the (then-Fianna Fáil) government has introduced regarding tobacco and alcohol. As we have seen, the recent increase in excise has not brought in any more revenue. In fact, revenues have fallen, as I predicted."
© 2014 - Checkout Magazine by Stephen Wynne-Jones
