asked the Minister for Health whether, in view of the connection between cigarette smoking and cancer, he will initiate a campaign in the primary, secondary and vocational schools to educate the pupils on the health hazard involved in contracting the habit and so avoid the danger of another generation of cigarette smokers becoming addicted to the habit in ignorance of its harmful effect.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Schools Campaign against Cigarette Smoking.
46.
Mr. O'Leary
Mr. O'Malley
There is such a campaign at present. Each year copies of my Department's leaflet for young people entitled "Starting to Smoke?" are distributed in all schools, primary, secondary and vocational.
Last year, when the report of the Advisory Committee to the United States Surgeon General was published, a summary of the Committee's findings and of other investigations was sent to every teacher in the country by my predecessor with a request that this risk to health be continuously impressed on young people.
Mr. O'Leary
Is there any opportunity during the school year for devoting even a portion of the school day to a discussion on this subject?
Mr. O'Malley
I understand teachers are constantly impressing on pupils the dangers of smoking.
Mr. O'Leary
I submit that the teacher's advice is not strengthened if the pupils at 3 o'clock or during breaks see the teacher smoking.
Mr. O'Malley
That is completely illogical. There is more joy in Heaven at one who is lost and who returns to the fold——
Mr. O'Leary
It scarcely arises on the question but I presume a Fianna Fáil Minister would be more conversant than most with goings on in Heaven.