Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 November 2021
372. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if an increase in the consumption of tobacco has been noted during the Covid-19 associated lockdown; if specific counter measures are anticipated to address the issue with particular reference to the extent to which he might be advised by an association (details supplied) with a view to satisfactory arrangement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53914/21]
View answerA survey commissioned by the European Commission on Attitudes of Europeans towards tobacco and electronic cigarettes indicates that in 2020 on average Irish people smoked 13.1 cigarettes a day. This represents a marginal reduction of 0.2 of a cigarette on the average number of cigarettes smoked by individuals in the period 2017-2020 and a reduction of 3.3 cigarettes for the period 2012-2020. The survey was conducted between August and September 2020 indicating that cigarette consumption did not increase in the five to six months following the introduction of the COVID-19 related public health measures.
As Minister for Health I will continue to be guided by public health experts and public health research and evidence on effective tobacco control measures.
