Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 January 2013
590. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health if he will consider on the possibility of increasing to 21 years the legal age for a person to purchase and use tobacco products due to the increasing number of smokers amongst young women; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2422/13]
View answerSmoking is the greatest single cause of preventable illness and premature death in Ireland, killing over 5,200 people a year. Ireland’s public health policy objective in relation to tobacco is to promote and subsequently move towards a tobacco free society. As the Deputy is aware it is currently illegal to sell tobacco to an individual under the age of 18 years. While there are no plans to review the age limit currently, my Department has undertaken a number of tobacco control measures including:
- Combined text and photo warnings (graphic warnings) (This will come into effect on 01st Feb 2013);
- A ban on Packets of Cigarettes containing less than 20 cigarettes;
- A ban on the display and advertising of tobacco products;
- A requirement for all tobacco products to be out of view and stored within a closed container which can only be accessed by the retailer;
- Health Education Campaign 1 in every 2 smokers will die of a tobacco related disease;
- Cigarette pricing controls aimed at decreasing smoking prevalence and in preventing children and adolescents from taking up the habit.
The aim of these provisions is to further de-normalise tobacco and to protect children from the dangers of tobacco consumption.
The Tobacco Policy Review Group will be reporting to me shortly. The report of this group will build on our existing policies and legislation. This group is examining a number of areas which need to be developed or enhanced in order to reduce smoking prevalence in Ireland. The report will also examine how to develop our cessation services in order to support those people who want to stop smoking. Of major concern to me is the number of young people who are still taking up the addiction. The "denormalisation” of smoking within our society is key tool in stopping our children and young people from doing so. To achieve this we must make smoking less attractive to children and increase its social unacceptability.
