ASH Ireland supports litigation against tobacco firms

ASH Ireland supports litigation against the tobacco industry in principle. However, it also recognises that this is a matter for the agencies and individuals involved.

ASH Ireland holds the view that the Government should consider pursuing the tobacco industry for the recovery of costs from the health service spent treating tobacco related disease within the health service. These costs would relate to a time when the tobacco industry were aware of health risks but did not issue warnings to smokers. Similar litigation has been successful in the United States.

Individuals, suffering from tobacco related diseases have, after years of struggle succeeded in successfully suing the tobacco industry in the United States. Similar litigation proceedings have been initiated here in Ireland – but to date has not been successful.