Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 11 Apr 2001

Vol. 534 No. 4

Written Answers - Tobacco-Related Diseases.

Ivor Callely

Question:

141 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health and Children his understanding regarding the impact of cigarette smoking on the health of an individual and the sale and distribution of cigarettes from vending machines in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10982/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

Cigarettes are by far the most common form of tobacco product in use. About seven thousand deaths each year can be directly attributed to smoking related diseases. Tobacco smoke causes lung disease, cancer and cardiovascular disease. Life expectancy in Ireland is lower than the EU average and the diseases which contribute to this are heart disease and cancer. Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of these diseases.

About 80% of all smokers become addicted before reaching 16 years of age. On average smokers who begin smoking in adolescence and continue to smoke regularly have a 50% chance of dying from tobacco related illnesses. About 15% of cigarette sales are made from vending machines. I am concerned over the unrestricted access to cigarettes from vending machines, particularly by underage persons. Many cigarette vending machines are located in areas in premises, often out of sight of staff, where there is no form of supervision. This is unacceptable from a public health perspective. There is a need to control access to cigarette vending machines. I will be addressing this problem in the new Public Health and Tobacco Bill currently being drafted.