Government must do more to stop children smoking, warns ASH

THE Government is not doing enough to stop children taking up smoking, a leading anti-tobacco campaigner said yesterday as new figures showed that cigarette sales are on the increase in Ireland.

Contrary to the European trend, the cigarette multi-national Gallaher saw its Irish sales expand by 0.2% last year. Enjoying almost half the market here, the company includes Benson & Hedges and Silk Cut in its products.

Professor Luke Clancy of anti-smoking group, ASH, said that, while the government was making some efforts to curb tobacco use, “they’re not doing enough”.

He said that the government was thinking about this year’s election, “and not what will happen with our children in 20 years’ time”.

Last year’s budget saw an increase in the price of cigarettes but the previous two budgets didn’t make any difference to the cost.

“It’s very price-related. No price rise for two years meant they were cheaper here than they were for years and when they’re cheaper, people buy them. We’re paying for it in an increase in tobacco sales,” said Prof Clancy.

The workplace smoking ban would take much longer to have an effect on the numbers of people smoking, said Prof Clancy, but would not prevent children from taking up the habit.

“It was about protecting the health of workers and it’s a huge success in that regard,” he said.

ASH called for a price rise of €2 on a packet of 20 cigarettes before the last budget, but the increase put in place by Mr Cowen was just 50 cent.

Prof Clancy acknowledged that the Irish Government was doing more than many of its European counterparts, but said: “If they really care about the future of our children, they’ll have to do a lot more.”