Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Nov 2000

Vol. 525 No. 2

Written Answers. - Tobacco Policy.

Alan Shatter

Question:

215 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of smoking cessation programmes commenced to date by each health board in the State in the context of the Government's announced policy in February 2000; the steps taken to publicise the existence of any such programmes; the number of persons attending any such programmes; and the number of persons in receipt of nicotine replacement therapy. [19302/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

The details requested by the Deputy are not readily available. In the context of the implementation of the cardiovascular health strategy this year funding has been provided to develop smoking cessation initiatives. Given the significance of smoking as a lifestyle risk factor for the development of heart related diseases, I have asked the health boards to give this issue their highest priority and I am keeping the matter under review.