Cabinet passes 'plain' cigarette packets

The Cabinet has approved the introduction of "plain pack" cigarettes in Ireland.

Ireland will become the second country in the world to introduce the measure after Australia did so last year.

Health Minister James Reilly said the new packs will save lives.

The packs, regardless of brand, will have to be a uniform colour, carry the brand name in uniform lettering and have no logos or trademarks.

All packs will still carry graphic pictures of the health impacts of smoking.