Smoking is 'main cause' of disability

Some of Ireland's most senior medical figures have issued a statement saying that smoking is the main cause of preventable death and disability in Ireland.

The statement was issued by the Deans of medical faculties in Irish universities, the College of Physicians and general doctors.

Michael Boland, the chairman of the Office of Tobacco Control, said: "This is a very clear and strong statement signed by all the people who would be aware of the scientific evidence."