Number of people smoking increases despite ban

DESPITE the introduction of the smoking ban nearly three years ago, smoking levels have increased in this country, according to a national study of Irish health and lifestyles.

The SLÁN research on attitudes to health and nutrition found 29% of the country smoke compared with 27% five years ago.

Anti-smoking lobbyist ASH Ireland has, as a result, called for a 50 cent increase in the cost of cigarettes, the removal of all smoking advertising from shops and a huge investment in educating young people on the health risk of tobacco usage.