Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:1434. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on the threat tobacco poses for persons with asthma; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32887/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 24 July 2018
Ceisteanna (1434)
Freagraí scríofa
Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in Ireland. Each year some 6,000 people die from diseases caused by tobacco use and many more suffer ill health because of active smoking and being exposed to second-hand smoke.
There is a substantial body of evidence concerning the impact that tobacco use has on asthmatics. Children whose parents/guardians smoke have an increased risk of ever having asthma, and for those who have asthma, exposure to second-hand smoke can exacerbate their asthma. Active smoking by asthmatics and exposure to second-hand smoke is likely to exacerbate their asthma.
The policy document Tobacco Free Ireland (2013) sets a target for Ireland to be tobacco free (i.e. with a prevalence rate of less than 5%) by 2025. Tobacco Free Ireland addresses a range of tobacco control issues and initiatives and contains over 60 recommendations. Some of those recommendations relate to extending the smoking ban on a legislative basis to the campuses of primary and secondary schools and child-care facilities. Other recommendations relate to the promotion, on a voluntary basis and in conjunction with key stakeholders, of smoke free environments on the outdoor campuses of third level institutions, health care facilities, Government facilities, sports facilities, playgrounds, parks and beaches. Progress has been made in particular in relation to health care and Government facilities, playgrounds and third level institutions.
Currently there are no plans to extend the smoking ban on a legislative basis to public places such as parks, beaches, bus stops, sports pitches or the exits of shops and other buildings.
E-cigarettes and novel tobacco products are regulated at EU level by the European Union (Manufacture, Presentation and Sale of Tobacco and Related Products) Regulations 2016. (S.I. 271 of 2016). The Regulations set out safety and quality rules for nicotine-containing electronic cigarettes and provide for health warnings on e-cigarette packs.