Finian McGrath
Ceist:346 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the estimated cost to the taxpayer of the anti-smoking campaign; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4315/03]
Written Answers. - Anti-Smoking Campaign.
The estimated cost of the most recent national anti-smoking campaign is approximately €2 million per year.
Smoking has been the largest single issue focused upon by the health promotion unit of my Department. The national Break the Habit campaign was developed in partnership with my Department, the Irish Cancer Society and the regional health boards. This campaign targets the whole population to encourage smokers to stop smoking and non-smokers not to start by emphasising the positive effects quitting smoking can have on the individual. In response to a national survey indicating the increased prevalence of smoking among teenagers, a special component of the Break the Habit campaign was developed during 2000 to target teenagers. This campaign called NICO concentrates on the simple message that smokers are less attractive than non-smokers.
In addition to the anti-smoking campaign my Department has funded, through the cardiovascular health strategy, a number of initiatives to reduce the incidence of smoking. An additional 26 smoking cessation officers have been recruited by the health boards. This enables the boards to increase support to individuals to quit smoking and to provide advice regarding smoking policies and legislation.
In April 2001 nicotine replacement therapy was made available to all medical cardholders who smoke. From the launch of nicotine replacement therapy in April 2001 to October 2002, 115,355 prescriptions have been issued to medical cardholders at a total cost of about €4.2 million.
Following the signature by the President of the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2002 on 27 March 2002, I established the Office of Tobacco Control on a statutory basis. This indicates my commitment to a range of anti-smoking measures. In this regard, I announced, on 30 January last, my intention to ban smoking in all workplaces from 1 January 2004. This ban will include the hospitality industry where many workers are exposed to passive smoking.
As Minister for Health and Children I see it as a major priority for me to put in place innovative and effective smoking cessation interventions at national and regional level in order to reduce the incidence of smoking related diseases in this country.