Stop creating smokescreens and start saving lives

A separation is needed to remove the issue of illicit cigarettes from the general discourse on plain tobacco packaging.

The report on the rate of illegal tobacco sales in Ireland (Jul 29) links the plain tobacco packaging with the sale of illegal cigarettes; however the introduction of plain packaging is a health measure solely designed so save the lives of future generations of children and reduce the impact the scourge of tobacco smoking has on the nations’ health. Ireland will be the first nation in Europe to introduce plain packaging meaning illegally imported cigarettes will be easily identifiable, as they will display branding.

Given that the vast majority of illegal cigarettes are bought legally abroad and imported illegally to Ireland, rather than counterfeit, the assertion that plain packaging will increase illicit tobacco sales has little basis in fact.

What is a fact, however, is that more than 5,000 Irish people each year die prematurely from tobacco-related illness, and smoking impacts the quality of life of many thousands more, particularly those with chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma.

Irish people start smoking at a younger age than any other European country; yet Ireland was also the first European country to introduce a workplace ban on smoking. It is now time for Ireland to again take the lead to protect the lives and lungs of future generations.

Niamh Kelly

Advocacy Coordinator

Dublin 1

The Asthma Society of Ireland