Reilly aims for tobacco-free Ireland by 2025

Health Minister James Reilly said he wants Ireland to become completely tobacco free by 2025.

James Reilly says ministers are determined to eliminate smoking in Ireland for good.

"Plain packaging is one of a number of measures that is required to de-normalise smoking in society," he said.

"Education and awareness, cessation services, and extending the smoking ban to other areas are just some of the other measures I'm currently progressing."

He is planning to extend the existing workplace smoking ban, to include the outlawing of lighting up in public areas like parks and beaches.

"It is the only product I know of that is legally, freely available, that will kill you if you use it according to the manufacturer's instructions."