Vol. 502 No. 4
123 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the recent report by the British Health Education Authority which claims that smokers are being misled by the way in which low tar cigarettes are packaged and promoted; his views on the matter; the action, if any, he will take as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8600/99]
Claims have been made by the tobacco industry that consumption of low tar cigarettes reduces the risk of lung cancer for smokers. However, research carried out internationally in recent years confirms no reduction in the risk to smokers from low tar cigarettes.
Regulations which control the advertising, sale, promotion and packaging of tobacco products in Ireland require that advertisements for, and packages of, cigarettes display a health warning. The tar content of the cigarettes must be indicated on the packet. The use of any statement or term which claims or implies that it is less harmful to smoke one brand of tobacco product than another is prohibited from tobacco advertisements and packaging.
At EU level the marking of this type of claim about tobacco products and the maximum allowable levels of tar and nicotine in tobacco products are being considered by the Commission with a view to bringing in further measures. Ireland supports this position.
