Minister for Children James Reilly is seeking a review of arrangements between legal company Arthur Cox and Tusla, the child and family agency, over the firm’s involvement in threatened court action against plain tobacco packs.

Dr Reilly sought the review on the same day as Arthur Cox came under pressure from Minister for Health Leo Varadkar to sever its ties with the tobacco industry.

Arthur Cox, one of Ireland’s most powerful legal firms, is adviser to the Irish arm of Japan Tobacco, which has threatened legal action against the two Ministers if they fail to halt the passage of plain tobacco packaging legislation today.

Dr Varadkar said there was no conflict of interest as the legislation was being prepared by the Departments of Health and Children and not by the Health Service Executive, which is a client of Arthur Cox. “But I do think it would reflect well on Arthur Cox if they didn’t represent tobacco companies.”

‘Urgently warranted’

In a letter to the secretary general of his department, Dr Reilly said: “I am satisfied that it is urgently warranted and appropriate that an immediate review of this department’s legal arrangements and those of Tusla be carried out to ensure that there is neither a real nor perceived conflict of interest in this or any other matter in respect of which legal advices are sought or obtained.”

There was no comment from Arthur Cox on Dr Reilly’s move and Dr Varadkar’s remarks. The firm is legal adviser to St Luke’s Institute of Cancer Research and to St Vincent’s Healthcare Group.

The HSE has raised the Japan Tobacco matter with the firm. “The HSE has been in contact with Arthur Cox today and has also formally written to it. The HSE awaits its response.”