Vol. 496 No. 7
80 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on the need to introduce legislation to ban tobacco advertising in view of the serious health risks posed by cigarette smoking and the indications of a continuing trend towards smoking among young people; and the steps, if any, he will take to influence public opinion on the significant dangers of smoking. [23967/98]
Our existing legislation provides for the curtailment of expenditure on advertising of tobacco products and limits the content of advertisements. However the efficacy of this measure has been diminished by spill over advertising from the UK and other EU countries. For this reason Ireland has long supported a ban on tobacco advertising and sponsorship at EU level. The adoption of a directive to this effect by the European Parliament and Council in July this year was the culmination of considerable effort by ourselves and Commissioner Flynn. With regard to implementation of the directive, my Department is examining the matter with a view to putting in place an effective implementation strategy.
Promoting a smoke free society is a priority for myself and my Department. There has been a significant reduction in the proportion of the adult population smoking over the past 25 years due largely to the various public health initiatives which have been undertaken. However I am concerned that the reported prevalence of smoking among young people and particularly schoolchildren remains unacceptably high.
I fully agree that we need to continue to influence public opinion on the dangers of smoking. For this reason I have established a policy review group to carry out a fundamental review of smoking and health policy. One of the areas being looked at is the incidence of smoking among young people and schoolchildren. I expect the group to report to me early in the new year with specific proposals and I will be prepared to go ahead with them.
