TD called for the age limit for the purchase of tobacco products to be raised to 21, reports Breaking News.
Fine Gael’s health spokesman, Colm Burke, has called for the change to help Ireland meet its public health target of reducing its smoking rate to below 5 per cent by 2025.
He said Ireland was “forefront in the control of tobacco products”, citing a 2004 workplace smoking ban.
“The standardised packaging introduced in 2018 further strengthened the anti-smoking message. The various control measures and strong public health campaigns were extremely successful in reducing smoking rates. Unfortunately, in recent years we have taken our foot of the pedal and momentum behind anti-smoking campaigns has eased.”
According to Mr. Burke, the increase in the usage of vaping may lead to cigarette smoking.
“The Government now needs to take effective action to restore momentum behind its anti-smoking policy. The most effective measure would be to raise the age for the purchase of tobacco products from 18 to 21. This would send a very clear public health message. There is strong international evidence that raising the age to 21 will significantly reduce smoking rates among the under 25s. Evidence from the United States indicates a drop in smoking rates of 20 per cent and higher in the under 25 age group when the age limit is raised to 21 years,” reports Breaking News.
“This could easily be achieved by way of a government amendment to the Public Health [Tobacco and Nicotine Inhaling Products] Bill which is currently making its way through the legislative process. Or if that is not possible a separate piece of legislation amending the existing tobacco control legislation – the Public Health [Tobacco] Act 2002 should be introduced,” reports Breaking News.
“A 2022 report supporting the raising of the age limit published by the Royal College of Physicians shows that smoking is a contributory factor in 4,500 deaths each year. Smoking also places a huge cost burden on the health system. Not smoking is also a key factor in enjoying better health as people get older and live longer,” reports Breaking News.s
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