ASH Ireland Concerned About The Future of Office of Tobacco Control

Date: 09 June 2003

ASH Ireland is concerned about media reports over the weekend indicating that the Office of Tobacco Control, now based in Clane, will be absorbed back into the Department of Health. This would be a retrograde step – and would be viewed as such by all involved in the Pro-HealthAnti-Smoking lobby.

Dr. Fenton Howell, Chairperson of ASH speaking in Dublin today said, “This office was established by Minister Martin and has done excellent work in the tobacco control and awareness creation fields. This is also the only element of the Public Health Tobacco Act, which been implemented to date - and it is ridiculous to think this office might now be closed.”

ASH Ireland is aware that the fight against tobacco requires ongoing focus and determination as we are dealing with an industry, which has a history of using every possible means to circumvent legislation and promote a deadly product. ASH Ireland calls on Minister Martin to retain the Office of Tobacco Control intact, with its present level of independence and focus.

This year we have had a 4% drop (from 31% to 27%) in Irish people smoking – and this is good news. We must maintain all of our present resources, including the Office of Tobacco Control, to ensure that a coherent and effective fight against tobacco use can continue.