The children's minister has compared tobacco companies to schoolyard bullies, but says he will not be intimidated by their legal threats.

James Reilly's comments come as the Dáil passes legislation on plain packaging, which now goes back to the Seanad before going on to the President to be signed into law.

Minister Reilly said he wanted Irish people to "take satisfaction" from the fact that Ireland will be only the second country worldwide to introduce plain packaging.

And he says he will not bow to the legal threats of tobacco companies who are trying to stop the plans: