Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 April 2011
42 Deputy Liam Twomey asked the Minister for Health and Children the measures he will take to reduce the incidence of smoking which has risen to the level of the pre-smoking ban in public places; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7530/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the late 1970s, my Department, and successive Ministers, have pursued a long term agenda with regard to tobacco control which has been successful to a significant degree. The introduction of the ban on smoking in the workplace in 2004 and the prohibitions on display and advertising at point of sale, the restrictions on self-service vending machines and the introduction of a retail register in 2009 have consolidated Ireland's position as a world leader in terms of tobacco control legislation.
My Department is currently undertaking a review of tobacco policy. In this regard a workshop took place in June 2010 involving all the key stakeholders involved in smoking policy. Subsequently, my Department established a small group comprising of the Department and the Health Service Executive to develop proposals on what further measures might be taken to reduce initiation and prevalence of smoking in Ireland. I look forward to receiving the Group's Report later this year.
