|
|
|
Drop in Cigarette Sales Highlight the Success of Republic of Ireland Smoking Legislation
By Derval Keenan, 2/3/2005 4:40:14 PM
|
Today’s announcement from the Irish Finance Minister, Brian Cowan that sales of cigarettes have fallen by 18% highlights that peoples’ smoking habits in the Republic of Ireland are changing with more and more people either quitting or reducing their consumption.
This is good news indeed since smoking is the largest single cause of preventable death and ill health in our society today, killing 2,800 people in Northern Ireland every year. Ending smoking in workplace and enclosed public places is the single most effective action the Government could do to protect non-smokers and encourage more smokers to quit.
Smokers in Northern Ireland tell the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) they want to quit and will be encouraged to do so if we provide them with smoke free environments to work and socialise in.
Gerry McElwee, Head of Cancer Prevention, UCF said, “This is further evidence from the Republic of Ireland that the introduction of a smoke free policy works and is an excellent public health initiative. Also this evidence clearly contradicts Dr John Reid’s (Health Secretary) opinion that enforcing a ban in public places will result in people smoking more at home. Clearly once smoke free public places are created, people smoke less”.
-ends-
For further information please contact Gerry McElwee, Head of Cancer Prevention, UCF on 028 90492007 / 07880 504577, Derval Keenan, PR and Events Officer, UCF on 028 90492007 / 07812 525531.
|
|
|
