Public Health (Tobacco) Act, 2002

Functions of Office.

10.—(1) The general functions of the Office shall be to—

(a) advise the Minister in relation to the formulation, and assist him or her in the implementation, of policies and objectives of the Government concerning the control and regulation of the manufacturing, sale, marketing and smoking of tobacco products,

(b) consult with such national or international bodies or agencies having a knowledge or expertise in the field of smoking prevention for the purpose of identifying measures designed to eliminate, reduce the incidence of, or discourage smoking.

(c) make such recommendations to the Minister as it deems appropriate in relation to measures that the Office considers should be taken in order to reduce or eliminate smoking or its effects in the State.

(d) undertake, sponsor or commission, or provide financial or other assistance for, research aimed at identifying measures that when adopted are likely to reduce the incidence of smoking or its effects,

(e) prepare and publish, in such manner as it thinks fit, reports on any research undertaken, sponsored or commissioned, or for which financial or other assistance was given, under paragraph (d),

(f) furnish advice to the Minister, whenever he or she so requests, on matters relating to the control and regulation of the manufacture, importation, sale or supply of tobacco products and on measures to reduce, eliminate or discourage smoking,

(g) provide, and where appropriate exchange with the Garda Síochána and the Revenue Commissioners, information relating to the control and regulation of the manufacture, sale, supply, importation and distribution of tobacco products,

(h) prepare and implement a plan for the coordination nationally of the activities of the Office and of health boards in relation to this Act and the cooperation of the Office and the health boards in the performance of their functions under this Act,

(i) furnish advice to the Minister, whenever he or she so requests, on matters relating to—

(i) strategies employed by manufacturers, importers, distributors or retailers of tobacco products in the marketing, sale or promotion of such products,

(ii) technology used in the manufacture, production or marketing of tobacco products,

(iii) any innovations on the part of manufacturers, importers, distributors or retailers of tobacco products relating to the manufacture, production or marketing of those products,

(j) coordinate and implement a programme for the inspection of all premises in which tobacco products are manufactured, stored, subjected to any process or sold by retail, and all premises to which the public have access, either as of right or with the permission of the occupier or person in charge of the premises concerned, for the purposes of ensuring that there is compliance with the provisions of this Act,

(k) collect or disseminate such information as may reasonably be necessary for the effective performance of its functions,

(l) furnish, whenever the Office considers it appropriate or is so requested by the Minister, advice or information to a Minister of the Government (including the Minister) in relation to any matter connected with its functions.

(2) The Office shall have all such powers as are necessary or expedient for the performance of its functions.

(3) The Office may perform any of its functions through or by a member of the staff of the Office duly authorised by the Office to act in that behalf.