Vol. 503 No. 3
347 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that it is estimated that approximately 6,000 Irish people die each year due to smoking related diseases; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the majority of smokers now take up the habit and become addicted in their teenage years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9778/99]
The dangers of smoking and its detrimental effect on human health are well known. Smoking is a major cause of lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and coronary heart disease. Smoking is also a major cause of cardiovascular disease, the greatest single cause of mortality in Ireland. Stopping smoking is one of the most immediate and worthwhile contributions anyone can make to the improvement of health both on an individual and collective level. Promoting a smoke free society is a priority for myself and my Department. There has been a significant reduction in the proportion of the adult population smoking over the last 25 years due largely to the various public health initiatives which have been undertaken. However, I am concerned that the reported prevalence of smoking among young people and particularly children remains unacceptably high. I established a policy review group to carry out a fundamental review on smoking and health policy. One of the areas being looked at is the incidence of smoking among teenagers and young children. 1 expect to receive the group's report soon.
348 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children when he will impose a complete ban on tobacco advertising in view of the fact that health promotion units of his Department and health boards expend large amounts of money each year to discourage people from smoking while the Department of Finance collects hefty revenue from a continuation of a practice which is one of the main factors in the populations morbidity and premature morality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9779/99]
Ireland has long supported a ban on tobacco advertising and sponsorship at EU level. The adoption of a directive to this effect by the European Parliament and Council in July 1998 is welcomed. With regard to implementation of the directive an effective implementation strategy is being looked at as part of the fundamental review on smoking and health policy which is currently being undertaken the report of which I expect to receive soon.
349 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on whether the cost of treating tobacco related illnesses at primary and secondary level is in excess of the revenue generated from the sale of tobacco; the plans, if any, he has in place to deal with this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9780/99]
There are a number of diseases such as lung cancer, emphysema and heart disease which are caused by tobacco consumption. Cot deaths and low birth weights are also associated with tobacco consumption. All of these impose a significant economic cost on the State and particularly the health services and social welfare services. They also impose a significant social cost combined with health costs to the individual.
