RGDATA, the small grocers' group, has said it welcomes proposals to raise the age limit for buying cigarettes to 18 years.
However, it wants to meet the Minister for Health and Children, Mr Martin, to discuss plans for a system of registration for shopkeepers who sell tobacco products, and a system of sanctions if they break the law.
It said one of the biggest difficulties for retailers in recent years has been establishing the age of customers, but the new age-limit, together with an ID card system, would be of great assistance.
Referring to the package of anti-smoking measures being proposed by the Minister, the RGDATA director general, Ms Ailish Forde, said the measures had to be workable and balanced.
She said RGDATA would seek an early meeting with Mr Martin to discuss the implementation of his reforms. In particular, she said, it would want to examine the system of registration.
The National Youth Council of Ireland said it welcomed the new proposals. The council president, Mr James Doorley, said that after countless campaigns and the expenditure of millions of pounds, proportionately more young people than adults smoked. "The latest move by the Government represents a welcome political shift. The law needs to be used to crack down on the sale, advertisement, and use of tobacco."
Dublin Sinn Fein councillor Mr Christy Burke said shopkeepers who sold tobacco to children should be prosecuted and repeat offenders should be closed down for a week.
"Children are being hooked on cigarettes at a very early age. They think it's cool and grown-up to smoke. There are so many subliminal influences on them, from subtle advertising to sponsorship, that it is crucial for shopkeepers to take their responsibilities seriously."