asked the Minister for Health whether his attention has been drawn to the recent disturbing findings published in the Irish Medical Journal concerning the relationship between cigarette-smoking and cancer, bronchitis and fatal cardiac diseases; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any steps to limit advertising on TV, radio, or in the newspapers, of cigarettes and tobacco.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Cigarette and Tobacco Advertisements.
4.
I have seen the articles in the Journal to which the Deputy refers and dealt with the findings in my replies to Deputy Barrett's questions yesterday.
On the advertising of cigarettes and tobacco, I have nothing to add to what I told the Deputy in reply to a question on similar lines on 14th March, 1962 — Dáil Debates, Volume 193, columns 1491-1492.
Would the Minister not agree that the educational and publicity campaign of the Minister's Department is greatly overwhelmed by the power and the cost of the campaign carried out by the tobacco companies? In view of the very grave findings of research groups in other countries, would the Minister not feel justified in taking more positive action to restrict the advertisement of these drugs, as they certainly are?
Personally I think the trend of smoking in this country is not on the increase, any more than it is in other countries which have such advertisements.
Is it not a fact that the Government take, and rightly take, stringent precautions against the advertisement of other noxious drugs on television, on the radio and in the newspapers? In view of the fact that cigarette smoking is such a very serious hazard to the public, surely the Government have a responsibility to act in this matter?
The Minister responsible has pointed out that he is doing everything possible to warn young people against the evils of tobacco smoking.
Does the Minister not propose to take any steps to restrict the very powerful advertising now carried on by the cigarette companies?