In a European first, Ireland has passed plain packaging legislation for tobacco products.

The move, which was announced by children’s James Reilly, also makes Ireland the second in the world to proceed with plain packaging following Australia.

The legislation, which has now passed all stages of the national parliament (Oireachtas), will remind smokers that smoking is an addiction that kills, Reilly said.

The plain packaging legislation will further increase the size of warning labels and see the remaining parts of packs covered in a matt colour yet to be selected by the health minister.

The expected implementation date is 20 May, 2017.