Vol. 524 No. 6
212 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on whether excluding cigarettes from the consumer price index process would lead to a decline in the rate of smoking; his views on whether the price of cigarettes directly influences the number of smokers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23580/00]
The maintenance of a high level of prices for tobacco products is an important factor in preventing children from experimenting with tobacco. I support the removal of tobacco products from the CPI so as to ensure that price will continue to be used as a key public health instrument in the tobacco free initiative now under way. The majority of smokers become addicted in their childhood and teenage years and research has clearly shown that price is an important factor in young people deciding not to smoke.
