Ireland has become the first country in Europe and the second in the world to pass plain packaging laws for tobacco products.

The Public Health (Standardised Packaging of Tobacco) Bill 2014 requires the removal of all industry marketing from tobacco packaging. It has now passed all stages of the Oireachtas.

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs James Reilly said the measure would protect children from ever taking up cigarettes.

He said it would serve as a stark reminder to those who do smoke by showing them graphic images, reminding them that smoking is an addiction that kills.

Japan Tobacco International, the company that owns brands such as Silk Cut and Benson and Hedges, had said that if the legislation proceeded it would go to court to protect its rights.

A spokesperson for JTI said that plain packaging is a disproportionate, unjustified and unlawful measure.

They said there was no credible evidence to suggest it will result in public health benefits.

Mr Reilly said the Government was prepared for it to end up in the courts, once the legislation has been enacted and commenced.

He said he believed this would be done in an attempt to intimidate the Government.

Groups including the Irish Cancer Society, the Irish Heart Foundation, and Ash Ireland have all welcomed the legislation passing all stages of the Oireachtas.

Mr Reilly thanked all his Oireachtas colleagues for their support.

Asked about legal firms who work for tobacco firms and for the State, Mr Reilly said he had asked his department to seek legal advice in relation to ensuring that there is no future conflict of interest, real or perceived, that could be in any way contrary to the best interest of children.

Mr Reilly said the Oireachtas had taken a lead from Australia but was giving a lead to the EU regarding plain packaging.