Stall in numbers quitting smoking needs stronger response – Burke

A plateau in smoking reduction levels should be met with targeted information campaigns, as well as serious consideration of a generational smoking ban, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Colm Burke said: “On World No Tobacco Day, it’s concerning that Ireland’s smoking reduction levels have stalled in recent years.  Ireland has a target of reducing smoking to 5% of the adult population. General anti-smoking campaigns are still necessary, but appear to have reached the limits of their effectiveness.

“Tobacco continues to be a real and present danger to health and wellbeing. Around 13% of Irish adults still smoke on a daily basis.

“Smoking is a contributory factor in 5,000 deaths per annum and costs the health system around €450 million each year in the treatment of chronic diseases associated with smoking; including cancers, chronic lung conditions and heart diseases.

“There is another aspect of smoking which is often ignored. It has a hugely negative impact on personal and family incomes. A person who smokes 20 cigarettes a day will burn around €7,000 a year. This money gone up in smoke seriously undermines family spending capacity and family wellbeing, particularly lower incomes families.

“Smoking levels in Ireland are heavily concentrated among lower income groups, which is a major factor in health inequalities.

“If the 5% target is to be met, the HSE must target its anti-smoking campaigns and support systems at social groups with high levels of smoking use, as well as getting serious about assessing the viability of introducing generational smoking ban.

“Over 20 years ago the smoking ban was successfully introduced in Ireland with hugely positive outcomes for the nation’s health. But too many remain hooked. We must remain focused on measures that protects this and future generations to being closer to our goal of a tobacco-free Ireland and not be averse to more radical moves.”