Irish try to break smoking habit during Lent

Anti-tobacco groups say they are hopeful that people who gave up smoking for Lent will stay off cigarettes as the period comes to an end today.

Hundreds of people across the country attempt to break the smoking habit every year during the traditional time of abstinence.

Last week, the National Health and Lifestyle surveys showed that although Irish people are smoking less, they are eating and drinking more.

Survey director Professor Cecily Kelleher says the figures show the benefit of health promotions.