Can you believe that the Courts Service of Ireland continue to invest in the Tobacco Industry, money belonging to wards of court and to children under 18 who have received significant court awards. Approximately €1.675 billion is invested by the Courts Service across a range of categories, but it unconscionable that they invest even €1 in the tobacco industry.
The tobacco industry is no friend to anyone, especially the people who are trying to quit. For over nine months I have been appealing to the Government to act to end this and I have also been in direct contact with the Courts Service.
An Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald was Minister for Justice when I first brought it to her attention but nothing happened. Minister Charlie Flanagan took up the position and I again outlined the situation to him, but again nothing happened.
Due to the inaction from the Government, I have published legislation, the Courts Service (Amendment) Bill 2017 to make it illegal for the Courts Service to invest in the tobacco industry.
