asked the Minister for Health the measures taken to reduce the incidence of lung cancer; and if he will consider sending a directive to all schools and colleges on the hazards and deleterious effect to health caused by cigarette smoking.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Lung Cancer.
4.
In the consideration of this matter, it is necessary to bear in mind that the primary cause of cancer has not yet been discovered. For some years there has been considerable emphasis on the correlation of cigarette smoking and lung cancer. More recently researches appear to indicate that atmospheric pollution plays a greater part than had earlier been established. It is possible, however, that cigarette smoking and air pollution are only aggravating factors.
The Minister for Local Government has been given comprehensive powers in Section 10 of the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act, 1962 to control atmospheric pollution by compulsion.The Minister for Health has not coercive powers in relation to the control of cigarette smoking and I do not consider that it would be desirable that I should seek them. The decision to smoke or not to smoke is a personal one, to be taken by the individual. The danger of cigarette smoking has been pointed out innumerable times in Dáil Éireann by me and by other Deputies and has been the subject of considerable publicity in the press. As a result, I think it is correct to say that the decision of each individual in relation to smoking has been taken in the light of knowledge of the inherent danger.
As regards the younger generation, considerable propaganda against smoking has been directed towards them. This year, for instance, on a comprehensive basis and with the co-operation of principal teachers, a copy of my Department's leaflet on the matter was given to school leavers and this distribution on a comprehensive basis will be continued. I am sure that this measure will have the Deputy's co-operation, and that, by exhortation and example, he will impress on his charges the dangers inherent in the smoking of cigarettes.