Smoking ban - Martin move helps smokers kick the habit

CRITICS of the smoking ban cannot gainsay the very positive impact it has had, according to impressive figures released at the weekend.

Health Minister Micheál Martin can justifiably feel vindicated that his highly controversial measure, while still not globally popular, has proved very effective in helping many people give up smoking.

The figures speak for themselves, as revealed in a survey undertaken by market research company Behaviour and Attitudes. According to the survey, 7,000 smokers who contacted the National Smokers Quitline had given up smoking, and the smoking ban had helped 39% to do so.