Tom Neville (Limerick County, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I share the sentiments expressed by Deputy McLoughlin on the role of Deputy Corcoran Kennedy in bringing this issue to the fore during her period as Minister of State. I smoked for about ten years but gave up cigarettes some time ago. I started smoking at 13 or 14 years of age because I was bored at school but it subsequently developed into a habit. We need to be conscious of the reasons young people smoke and educate ourselves about the reasons the rate of smoking is starting to increase again.

The introduction of the smoking ban in 2004 hit home because it caused people to break from the habitual behaviour in which they engaged when socialising. The ban and the increase in price had a significant effect on smoking rates.

A multifaceted approach is needed to combating smoking. I am worried about the reasons young people are taking up smoking. I am particularly concerned about the issue of body image and body consciousness and the myth that smoking keeps one thin. We need to do more research on this issue and nip it in the bud.

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