03/10/2013

Minister Reilly Unveils Plan To Make Ireland 'Tobacco Free'

Minister for Health James Reilly has revealed his plan to make Ireland tobacco-free by 2025.

Some 60 recommendations that aim to eliminate smoking have been published in a report by the Tobacco Policy Review Group, called 'Tobacco Free Ireland'.

The Department of Health have stated that their overall aim is to "de-normalising smoking in Irish society"

Amongst the 60 recommendations, provisions are made to:

• protect children from the harms of tobacco;

• enforce, regulate and legislate for tobacco activities and products;

• educate citizens about the dangers of tobacco;

• assist those who smoke to stop.

Speaking at the launch Minister Reilly said: "To make Ireland tobacco free in 12 years is an extraordinary challenge, but if we work together to de-normalise smoking for young people we can do it.

"And do it we must because for every two young people who become addicted to tobacco one of them will die as a consequence. Let’s not forget that approximately 5,200 Irish people die each year from diseases caused by smoking. These are all preventable, avoidable deaths".

The Minister added "protecting children from the harms of tobacco is the key aim of Tobacco Free Ireland".

The full report, Tobacco Free Ireland, is available on the Department of Health website.

(MH/CD)

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