Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:280 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on proposals to ban smoking in public places (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22413/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 3 May 2012
Ceisteanna (275, 276)
Freagraí scríofa
Smoking is the greatest single cause of preventable illness and premature death in Ireland, killing over 5,200 people a year. Ireland's public health policy objective in relation to tobacco is to promote and subsequently move towards a tobacco free society. The document Towards a Tobacco Free Society was adopted as Government policy in 2000 and continues to be the main strategic document guiding the development and implementation of policy measures and services to reduce smoking in Ireland. The Tobacco Policy Review Group will be reporting to me shortly.
The report of this group will build on our existing policies and legislation . This group is examining a number of areas which need to be developed or enhanced in order to reduce smoking prevalence in Ireland including the possibility of extending the smoking ban to other areas e.g. cars with children present, educational and health care campuses, playgrounds, public parks, beaches etc. The report will also examine how to develop our cessation services in order to support those people who want to stop smoking. Of major concern to me is the number of young people who are still taking up the habit.
The "denormalisation" of smoking within our society is key tool in stopping our children and young people from doing so. To achieve this we must make smoking less attractive to children and increase its social unacceptability. I understand that in order for such initiatives to be successful they must be supported by the public. It is also important, however, that everyone in society recognises their role in effecting change in our lifestyle behaviours such as smoking for the benefit of everyone.
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:281 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views regarding the cost of cigarettes and tobacco (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22416/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware smoking is the largest single cause of preventable mortality in Ireland, killing over 5,200 people every year. Evidence shows that pricing is a key tool in the efforts to control smoking and in particular preventing children and adolescents from taking up the habit. Just last week an international group of health economists and tobacco control experts (PPACTE) called for an increase in the taxation of all tobacco products as the most effective way to make them inaccessible to consumers. As you know this Government increased the excise duty on tobacco products in the last budget. The Tobacco Policy Review Group will be reporting to me in the near future and is considering the issue of excise duties on tobacco products. I am of the view that increasing tax on tobacco together with the strengthening of policy, services and programmes will be effective in reducing smoking prevalence in this country.