ASH Ireland wants price hike on tobacco in 2007

Date: 29 December 2006

ASH Wants Further Price Increase on Tobacco in 2007

ASH urges continuing efforts to make Ireland Smokefree,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Whereas ASH Ireland welcomes the 50cents increase on tobacco in the recent budget it believes that a much more significant increase will be required in 2007 if we are to reduce smoking prevalence. The government has set a target of ‘A Tobacco Free Society’, and yet tends to ignore the single most important devise in achieving this – namely price.

Professor Luke Clancy, Chairman of ASH Ireland said today, “The Department of Health and Children has confirmed in the past that €1Billion is being spent annually on health services related to smoking. This is a scandal, when one considers what could be achieved if this burden of disease was removed from our service. Apart from the financial savings we would have reduced waiting lists, additional beds and I am sure ready and immediate access to many of our services.”

Perhaps the government should also look more closely at why the Irish taxpayer must pay health costs for illness being caused by a product which is so aggressively marketed all around the country. In every retail outlet, the tobacco signage dominates others – and this is certainly increasing sales.

When we look back on 2006 it is clear that issues and information emerged, which were of concern to the health lobby. In November the Office of Tobacco Control published a report which showed that many 16yr olds are spending close to €40 each week on tobacco. These young people are already addicted to nicotine and regrettably will have serious health problems relating to smoking if they continue to smoke.

A disappointing ongoing development of concern during the year was the proliferation of smoking rooms in pubs around the country. Professor Clancy said, “I am aware that the Environmental Health Offices are doing everything possible to tackle this developing trend but as with all aspects of the workplace smoking ban it is everybody’s business - and particularly the owners of premises - to maximise the impact of this outstanding health legislation. So many countries have followed the Irish lead on workplace smoking legislation - so lets not unravel this truly pioneering initiative”.

National Smokers' Quitline Number - 1 800 200 700.

ENDS.
Further information, Professor Luke Clancy, 086-8364337
Valerie Coghlan, ASH Ireland, 087-6400542
Wally Young, Young Communications, 087-2471520

ASH Ireland is fully funded by The Irish Heart Foundation and Irish Cancer Society