Reilly refuses to bow to pressure from tobacco companies

The Children's Minister Dr James Reilly has compared tobacco companies to schoolyard bullies – however he has said he will not be intimidated by their legal threats.

Dr Reilly's comments come as the Dáil passed legislation on plain packaging, which now goes back to the Seanad before going on to the President to be signed into law.

Minister Reilly added he wanted Irish people to "take satisfaction" from the fact that Ireland will be only the second country worldwide to introduce plain packaging.

He also claimed he will not bow to the legal threats of tobacco companies who are trying to stop the plans.