Skip to main content
Normal View

Tobacco Control Measures

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 December 2021

Thursday, 2 December 2021

Questions (195)

Colm Burke

Question:

195. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health his views on the findings of a survey by an organisation (details supplied) which found that 71% of those surveyed in favour of raising the legal smoking age from 18 to 21 years of age; if he has considered introducing this new age restriction in Ireland given the success this measure had in reducing smoking prevalence among 18 to 24 year olds in the United States of America; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59594/21]

View answer

Written answers

I note with interest the findings of the survey conducted on behalf of the Irish Heart Foundation on increasing the legal age to purchase tobacco to 21. In recent weeks I approved a proposal by my Department to carry out a review of Tobacco Free Ireland, the national tobacco control policy. The measures recommended by Tobacco Free Ireland, and implemented since its introduction in 2013, have been guided by evidence and best practice with the overarching goals of the denormalisation of smoking in society and the protection of children from the harms of tobacco products. In the course of the review of Tobacco Free Ireland, all policy proposals that are evidence based and can assist in efforts to reduce our smoking rates will be examined.

Top
Share