One Year On Less Smoke 97 percent Success

Date: 28 March 2005

It is disappointing that Ireland has not as yet signed up to the Framework Convention for Tobacco Control (FCTC), which was adopted by The World Health Organisation in 2003. This is essentially the world's first public health treaty – and already has the support of 55 countries. The FCTC provides the basic tools for countries to enact comprehensive tobacco control legislation. The key provisions are:

1. Enact comprehensive bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship
   
2. Placement of rotating health warnings on tobacco packaging that cover at least 30% of the principal display areas
   
3. Ban the use of misleading terms such as 'light' and 'mild'.
   
4. Protect citizens from exposure to tobacco smoke in workplace, public transport and indoor public areas
   
5. Combat smuggling 
   
6.  Increase tobacco taxes.

ASH Ireland is concerned that the Minister for Health has not signed up to the FCTC – at a time when we are seen as world leaders in this area and 55 other countries have done so.

Ash Ireland is also disappointed that the necessary legislation to deal with “point of sale” tobacco adverts is being delayed by legal challenges. This legislation is long overdue and much needed. Our retail outlets, most of which are used by children are emblazoned with tobacco adverts and promotion. These adverts and promotions can be seen on shelving on counter mats and even in the positioning of tobacco products.

Dr Fenton Howell of Ash Ireland said today, “ We must protect our children and young people from the scourge of nicotine addiction. Legislation has ensured that we have no direct tobacco adverts on TV, radio and print media; however, the tobacco industry has circumvented this legislation through Formula One coverage and point of sale activity. Recently Ash Ireland, for example, has had to raise the issue of tobacco advertising on some of the equipment in use in Funderland in the RDS. Even at the recent Young Scientists Exhibition one commercial display stand managed to have six blatant adverts for tobacco”

As this is ‘Ash Wednesday time’, when many people try to quit smoking – it might also be important to note the content of a new report on “Cancer in the European Union”. The report finds that, “Smoking is the most important known risk factor for cancer, estimated to cause a third of all cancers, including 90% of lung concerns in men and 60% in women in developed countries. A recent IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) working group concluded that tobacco smoking can cause cancers of the lung, oral cavity, nasal cavity, pancreas, bladder, kidney, larynx, pharynx, oesophagus, stomach, liver, cervix and myeloid leukaemia. It is estimated that in the last 50 years 25 million Europeans have died because of smoking related illness”

Quitting - Smokers looking for advice or help with smoking cessation should contact the National Smokers' Quitline on 1850 201 203 or their General Practitioner or Pharmacist.