The prevalence of smoking among young people continues to be a cause of concern. Multiple strategies are required to reduce smoking prevalence, including education, enforcing legislation, health promotion campaigns, pricing and further controls on the sale and advertising of tobacco.
My Department and the Department of Education and Science work in partnership in relation to the promotion and protection of the health of children and young people in the school setting in the context of curriculum development, teacher education and related policy development. The Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE) curriculum, and the context in which it is delivered, is recognised as a significant commitment to health promotion in schools. The SPHE programme contains a specific module on smoking which is delivered to students as part of their curriculum up to Junior Certificate level.
The Health Service Executive also provides support for other education and awareness initiatives in relation to smoking. This work is undertaken through media campaigns, in the development of the Health Promoting Schools programme, through the "Smokers Quitline" service and through the smoking cessation services.