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UCF Disappointment at Minister?’s Statement
By Derval Keenan, 9/26/2005 2:57:49 PM
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The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) today voiced its bitter disappointment at the government?’s failure to announce a total smoking ban.
The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) today voiced its bitter disappointment at the government?’s failure to announce a total smoking ban.
Their response to the Health Minister?’s statement was one of disbelief. Gerry McElwee, UCF?’s Head of Cancer Prevention said, ?“It is mind-blowing that the government?’s own Scientific Committee on Tobacco and Health stressed the link between lung cancer, heart disease and other respiratory diseases and exposure to second-hand smoke yet the Health Minister has failed to take decisive action on it. Every delay causes further deaths.?”
He continued, ?“Two million workers are still routinely exposed to second-hand smoke in the workplace and in Northern Ireland 2,800 people die each year from smoking related illness. The public have demonstrated their support for smoke free workplaces through a massive response in favour of Option 5C ?– a complete workplace ban. Local politicians are in favour of it. Smoke free workplaces are to be introduced in Scotland and Wales ?– so why not Northern Ireland?
?“We don?’t need any more feasibility studies. The Regulatory Impact Assessment in England and the success elsewhere has already highlighted the benefits of a ban both to health and wealth.
?“The government?’s lack of urgency to introduce a total smoking ban across all workplaces has failed to protect those at greatest risk and raises the question of ethical responsibility. We took quick and decisive action with asbestos. Why not do the same with tobacco smoke? We are bitterly disappointed at today?’s announcement.?”
ENDS
For further information or to arrange an interview please contact:
Pauline Wylie, PR Manager, UCF
Tel. 028 9049 2007/07810 371118
Gerry McElwee, Head of Cancer Prevention, UCF
Tel. 028 9049 2007/07880 504577
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