Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 February 2013
266. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the percentage of population that smoke; the percentage of under 25 year olds who smoke; the reduction in the percentage of persons that smoke following the introduction of the smoking ban and the abolishing of ten cigarettes packs. [10461/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the smoking ban was introduced in 2004 and the sale of cigarettes in packets of less than 20 was banned in 2007.
The Slán Survey 2007 states that 29% of respondents reported being current smokers.Smoking was found to be more common among younger adults; 35% of those aged 18-29.The previous Slán Survey in 2002 found that 27% of people reported being regular smokers, with 34% of those aged 18-34.The Survey does state, however, that comparisons across the years are reported with caution because of the different survey methods utilised.The Irish Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) Survey, 2010 found that the number of children (aged 10-17) currently smoking fell from 18% to 12% from 2002 to 2010.This may be attributable in part to the tobacco control measures in place.
The Department is planning for the establishment of a new rolling health and wellbeing survey to provide data on the health status and other health related behaviours of the Irish population, including tobacco prevalence data.This will assist in monitoring the impact of health promotion and tobacco control measures on smoking rates.
