Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 222: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress made to date in reducing the number of people engaged in under age smoking; the follow-up studies that were conducted, following the enactment of the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2002 and the increase in the minimum number of cigarettes that can be sold in a packet; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7586/10]

Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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Last July, further provisions of the Public Health Tobacco Act 2002 as amended, were introduced. These included the removal of all display and advertising material in retail outlets, restrictions on the operation of self-service tobacco vending machines and a requirement for all retailers who sell tobacco products to register with the Office of Tobacco Control. It is anticipated that these measures will further denormalise tobacco and protect children and adults from the dangers of tobacco consumption. Given that these measures were introduced less that a year ago, no studies on their impact have yet being undertaken. My Department commissions the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children survey every four years. It includes a survey of the smoking habits of randomly selected children from 5th class in primary school to 5th year in post-primary schools throughout the country. The next survey is due to be carried out this year. Previous studies indicate that there has been a continuing reduction in the percentage of children who report that they are smokers, from 18.6% in 2002 to 15.3% in 2006. This decrease is seen in both girls and boys and across all ages.