Shortly after becoming Minster for Health and Children I established an expert group on the issue of tobacco and health which is usually referred to as the Tobacco Free Policy Group and 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 it on issues arising out of litigation in the United States and I am considering this at present. A further report dealing with wider policy issues is being finalised by the group and I hope to have it early in the new year.
Each year more than 6,000 people die in Ireland from tobacco-related illnesses. They are readily replaced by new smokers, more than 80 % of whom are under legal age. There are many factors that affect this, but I am satisfied that the marketing and promotion practices of the tobacco industry are the primary cause.
We have had restrictions on advertising and sponsorship by the tobacco industry here for some years, but I am advised that prohibitions on advertising are only effective when they are comprehensive. Accordingly, I am committed to the introduction of such prohibitions. 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 will not 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 exercising 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 next year. My officials will have further discussions in January 2000 with the interests affected to finalise the details of this arrangement.
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 the group will adapt its report to take account of any new ideas or initiatives that are included in the joint Oireachtas 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 number 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 important and practical step of introducing one of the highest tax increases ever on tobacco products, 50 pense on a packet of 20 of 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 agreement of the Government that the proceeds from this increase will be given to the health services in funding.