Japan Tobacco International (JTI) Ireland threatened to sue the government to block introduction of plain packaging for cigarettes, The Irish Times reported

“Please undertake to us as soon as possible and, in any event, on or before 20 February 2015 that no steps will be taken to enact the bill pending the outcome of the reference to the Courts of Justice of the EU by the High Court of England and Wales,” the letter to two government ministers reportedly states. The UK court, acting on complaints by tobacco companies, asked the European high court whether provisions in the revised EU Tobacco Products Directive such as health warnings that cover two thirds of a pack represent a misuse of authority.
James Reilly, minister for children and one of the recipients of the JTI letter, told The Irish Times there was no reason to delay the legislation.
Ireland intends to become the second country to mandate uniform colour and branding on tobacco packaging after Australia adopted plain packs in 2012. In the UK, plain-pack legislation for cigarettes and RYO packaging is expected to go before Parliament by the end of March.