Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Ceist:35 Mrs. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Health and Children the estimated cost to the Exchequer in 1998 for treating smoking related illness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10257/98]
Written Answers. - Tobacco-Related Diseases.
There are a number of diseases such as lung cancer, emphysema and heart disease associated with tobacco consumption. However tobacco consumption is not always the causative factor in every case. Therefore, data in relation to expenditure incurred specifically in treating tobacco related disease and illnesses each year cannot be computed accurately.
I am conducting a general review on smoking and health policy and will be announcing a number of initiatives in this area over the coming months. In this regard the level of underage smoking is a matter of particular concern for me, and I intend to prevent yet another generation becoming the victims of the tobacco industry.