The Health Minister says a new measure to deter people from smoking will help to save thousands of lives in the future.

The government today signed off on proposed new laws to introduce plain packaging on cigarette packets and tobacco products.

If enacted, the new Public Health Bill will make Ireland the first country in the European Union to ban the companies from using logos.

James Reilly says he is absolutely convinced the measures will work but he expects the government plan to be challenged.

Australia and New Zealand have already implemented a similar ban on branded products.

The move has been welcomed by the Irish Cancer Society and health professionals.

However tobacco companies are threatening legal action and newsagents say it will increase the trade in counterfeit sales.

Public Affairs Manager for the National Federation of Retail Newsagents of Ireland is Deirdre Drennan.