Tobacco industry called before Dail committee

Fine Gael’s health spokesman has called on the tobacco industry to mark No Tobacco Day by attending a Dail sub-committee inquiry on smoking.

Three tobacco companies have been invited to attend the inquiry but have so far not responded.

Gay Mitchell says if they continue to give the deaf ear, the committee has the power to force them into the witness box.

He said: "Our job is to look at the issues and make recommendations which we consider are necessary, but we cannot do that without the full participation of the tobacco industry itself."