James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 190: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the impact on smoking prevalence of the 25 cent increase on the price of a packet of 20 cigarettes, imposed in the 7 April 2009 supplementary budget; if the price rise has resulted in a reduction in smoking among teenagers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44943/09]

Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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The Survey of Lifestyle, Attitudes and Nutrition (SLAN 07) is the definitive study of smoking behaviour across a range of demographics. The SLAN study was last conducted in 2007 and does not cover the period in question.

The Office of Tobacco Control (OTC) also monitors cigarette smoking prevalence and behaviour on a monthly basis to gain a detailed picture of smoking patterns and to identify trends in this pattern. The data set is compiled from a monthly telephone survey of 1,000 people over the age of 15. With effect from May 2008 the survey methodology changed to the use of a combination of landlines and mobiles, as opposed to landlines only, to reflect changes in demographics and technology. The OTC is currently recalibrating the survey data collected prior to May 2008 and will shortly complete its analysis and publish the results. Therefore, data for the period April 2009 onwards will not be available until the New Year.