asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the large number of young people who are misusing tobacco with the inherent risks of damaging their health; whether he proposes making any changes in the law regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Tobacco Misuse.
110.
I am aware that there are indications that young persons, in particular young women, are starting to smoke in increasing numbers and this is, of course, of particular concern to me. With regard to the legal situation I would refer the Deputy to the Tobacco Health (Promotion and Protection) Act, 1988, which came into force on 12 July 1988. This Act prohibits the sale of tobacco products to persons under 16 years of age and it also restricts the sale of cigarettes to a person otherwise than in packets of ten or more cigarettes. The Act also prohibits the importation, manufacture, sale or otherwise disposal of an oral smokeless tobacco product. This product is marketed towards young people and its use has serious consequences. I am particularly pleased therefore that it is banned in this country and that Ireland is the first EC member state to have taken such action.
Section 2 of the Act enables me to make regulations to prohibit or restrict smoking in designated areas and designated facilities. I will shortly be signing these regulations to give effect to this section. The current legislation is designed to create an exemplary environment for young people and I do not see any need to bring forward new legislation at this stage.