Shortly after my appointment as Minister for Health and Children I established an expert group on the issue of tobacco and health. this group is usually referred to as the Tobacco Free Policy Group. It comprises senior health officials. Since its establishment it has monitored a number of national and international developments in the area of tobacco and health. I have received one report from them on issues arising from litigation in the United States and this is being considered by me at present. A further report dealing with the wider policy issues is currently being finalised by the group and I hope to have this early in the new year.
Each year more than 6,000 people die from tobacco related deaths in Ireland. They are readily replaced by new smokers, over 80% of whom are under legal age. There are many factors which affect this but I am satisfied that the marketing and promotion practices of the tobacco industry are the primary cause.
As the Deputy knows, in Ireland we have had restrictions on advertising and sponsorship by the tobacco industry for some years but I am advised that prohibitions on advertising in particular are only effective when they are comprehensive. I am, accordingly, committed to the introduction of such prohibitions. However, it is probable that the policy review being finalised will bring forward suggestions for other additional measures some of which may require legislation. Accordingly, I have not yet made a final decision on the most appropriate legal instrument to be used. I am not, however, going to wait to act until we have completed a lengthy deliberative and legislative process. Under existing law the levels of expenditure on tobacco advertising and sponsorship by the industry have to be approved by the Minister for Health and Children each year. In exercise of these powers, I have advised the industry that, in general, I do not propose approving any further expenditure on advertising or sponsorship with effect from July 2000. My officials will have further discussions in January 2000 with the interests affected to finalise details of the arrangements.
With regard to the report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children, I have directed that this report be given careful and detailed consideration by the Tobacco Free Policy Group in the light of its deliberations. I expect that the group will adapt its report to take account of any new ideas or initiatives which are included in the committee's report.
I am committed to putting in place an effective public health programme in this important area of tobacco and health. I am conscious that there is an increase in the numbers of children smoking and that further measures are necessary if we are to make any serious progress in reversing this trend. The Government has already taken the very important and practical step of introducing one of the highest tax increases ever on tobacco products, 50p on a pack of 20 cigarettes. While this may hit heavy smokers particularly hard, it should be borne in mind that the single most effective instrument in preventing young people from experimenting with tobacco is high price. I have also secured the agreement of the Government that the proceeds from this increase will be given to the health services as additional funding.