ASH Ireland End of the Year Summary 2004

Date: 27 December 2004

ASH Ireland is firmly of the view that the smoking legislation introduced by the Government in 2004 will reap massive health benefits into the future. The legislation, which has been hugely successful in terms of compliance, was introduced on the 29th of March.

Professor Luke Clancy, speaking in Dublin today said, “When this legislation was enacted I said it could in time be seen as the ‘health initiative of the century’. All indications to date tell us that this will be so. Compliance levels are consistency over 90%, and this in itself will deliver significant health benefits for employers and patrons into the future. The amount of cancer causing cigarette smoke being inhaled has been drastically reduced - and the potential benefit of this is hugely important. Recent announcements indicate that the number of cigarettes being smoked is down 17% - and this is extremely positive. I have little doubt that the percentage of people smoking will also decrease as more and more people are made aware of the health risks – and smoking is seen for what it is – an addictive, life threatening habit.”

ASH Ireland can also confirm that over six delegations from the UK and Europe have met with ASH Ireland to ascertain how similar workplace legislation can be introduced. The success of the Irish legislation has surprised many international observers – and undoubtedly has given impetus to similar plans in other jurisdictions.

ASH Ireland is concerned with the continued level of tobacco promotion and advertising of tobacco products in retail outlets. This unnecessary promotion of a killer product must be minimised - especially in relation to the impact on children. Children understandably use retail outlets – and they should not be exposed to tobacco promotion and advertising - each time they enter a local store. It is vital that the Government enacts the legislation, which rids us of this promotion and advertising in retail outlets.

Televised Formula One Motor Racing continues to be major vehicle of promotion and advertising for the tobacco industry. We can still have several hours of live television – with a tobacco advert in virtually every single frame – and we must remember that tobacco advertising is banned on TV. The right to broadcast Formula One will move from RTE to Setanta Sports next year – and it is important that Setanta Sports do not engaged in extensive promotion of tobacco through its link with Formula One and tobacco. ASH Ireland has already raised this issue with Broadcasting Commission of Ireland.

The main disappointment of ASH Ireland and other health lobbying groups during 2004 was the failure of the Government to increase tobacco prices. Price increase is accepted by major health and economic groups as the main factor in encouraging smokers to quit - and discouraging young people from experimenting with tobacco. If the Government wishes to tackle nicotine addiction and the related health spend - they must confront the price issue. Tobacco prices are now significantly lower here than in the UK and this is contributing to extensive smuggling between the two jurisdictions.

It is perhaps also of interest to point out that in 1974 - 45% of Irish men and 37% of Irish women smoked – that incredibly high rate has now been reduced to about 25% for men and women. Perhaps a ‘tobacco free society’ is possible – and in achieving this we can totally remove a dangerous class one carcinogen from our midst.

For those who may consider quitting for 2005 - the National Smokers' Quitline at 1850 201 203.