GOVT AID SOUGHT IN TOBACCO BATTLE

A GROUP seeking damages from tobacco firms because of health damage caused
by smoking wants Government backing to fight the case.

News of a record settlement in the United States - where tobacco firms have
paid $6.1 million compensation in Minnesota - has buoyed the Irish campaign.

Last night, Peter McDonnell, a solicitor representing a group of Irish
people seeking damages from cigarette manufacturers, said the US settlement
was another significant blow to the industry's position.

"The action provides further momentum to our own efforts to take the tobacco
companies accountable for their 40-year-old conspiracy of lies," he said.

The settlement is more than one-and-a-half times the amount sought in
damages and Minnesota has become the fourth American state to settle a
tobacco lawsuit.

In addition to the final settlement, the companies have been specifically
prohibited by court order from using any marketing techniques to attract
children.

"The US government have been to the forefront of the campaign to uncover the
truth about the tobacco industry's deception. This is in marked contrast to
the Irish health minister's and the Government's inaction and indeed the
Minister's unwillingness to meet with victims of the tobacco companies", Mr
McDonnell said.

"Seven months after we first requested a meeting with the Minister, he still
has not found a window in his diary. This is against the backdrop of 6,000
people dying from smoking related illnesses in this country each year."

Representatives of the Oireachtas committee on health will meet with victims
of the tobacco industry this coming Thursday.

Checked-by: Melodi Cornett