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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 5 Apr 2000

Vol. 517 No. 4

Written Answers. - Tobacco-related Diseases.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

108 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children when the Office of Tobacco Control will be established; its role and function; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9900/00]

I expect the Office of Tobacco Control to be operational by the end of June this year. A chief executive officer has already been appointed and arrangements are being made to appoint support staff and to secure accommodation.

The role of the office is to ensure that the policy incorporated in the Towards a Tobacco Free Society document which I published on 7 March this year is implemented. It will, in particular, be responsible for co-ordinating the implementation of tobacco controls by the health boards.

Tobacco is an addictive product that kills half of those who use it. About 7,000 people die each year in Ireland from tobacco related diseases. I am committed to strong and decisive action in this area.

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