A plan to reduce the prevalence of smoking in Ireland to less than 5 per cent of the population by 2025 has been published by Minister for Health James Reilly.
Tobacco Free Ireland recommends introducing legislation to prohibit smoking within the campuses of primary schools, secondary schools and child care facilities, as well as the promotion of tobacco free campuses for all third level institutions.
The report sets out 60 recommendations aimed at cutting the rate of smoking. Currently 22 per cent of the adult population smokes. Dr Reilly said the measures would seek to protect the next generation from taking up “this dreadful habit that kills one in two of those who use it”.
The document broadly sets out the Government’s aims but a detailed action plan with timelines has yet to be developed.
The proposals, which have been criticised by smokers’ rights campaigners, would also see an annual excise duty increase on tobacco products applied over a continuous five year period. “Robust evidence exists demonstrating that higher tobacco taxes and prices are the single most effective measure to reduce overall tobacco use,” the report states.
Also speaking at the event, World Health Organisation tobacco control chief Dr Haik Nikogosian said the plan was a “bold example” of Ireland’s “strong leadership” on tobacco measures over the past number of years. In particular Dr Nikogosian praised the aim of “denormalising” smoking, that is to make it socially unacceptable.
However Campaigners have criticised the proposal as “morally wrong”, saying it will stigmatise hundreds of thousands of adults around the country. “Denormalising tobacco will drive more and more people to the black market and the fringes of society,” said Forest Eireann spokesman John Mallon.
Source: 03/10/13, Irish Times
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