New institute probes smoking behaviour

A coalition of anti-smoking groups has launched a new institute to research the behaviour of smokers and the health effects of their habit.

The groups behind the Research Institute for a Tobacco-Free Society said it was set up for reasons including to investigate the effects of passive smoking and the reasons why people choose to smoke.

The body was established by the Office of Tobacco Control, ASH Ireland, the Irish Cancer Society and the Irish Heart Foundation.

Professor Luke Clancy is the group's director general. Prof. Clancy is a respiratory consultant and chairman of ASH Ireland.