Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 42: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the supports available from her Department to assist those who are trying to give up smoking, particularly those who are living on low incomes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41866/10]

Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRT) are available to medical card holders since April 2001. Evidence shows that lower socio economic groups have a higher incidence of smoking and spend a higher proportion of disposable income on tobacco. It was considered that this group is in greatest need of assistance in helping them to quit the habit. Accordingly, it was decided, as an exceptional measure, to make NRT available on prescription to medical card holders.

Smoking Cessation Services within the Health Service Executive offer a wide variety of services in different areas. Specialist Smoking Cessation Counsellors are trained to deliver these services on full time, part time and sessional basis nationally. Health Promotion Departments within the HSE also offer an extensive programme of training that includes developing skills for health care practitioners to support people wishing to stop smoking. They also provide support to schools around the issue of smoking and substance misuse, and support to workplaces on developing smoking policies.

The HSE funds the National Smokers Quitline which, in conjunction with the Irish Cancer Society, provides a smoking cessation advice and support service. This provides the public with access to a telephone support service from a trained smoking cessation counsellor. Referral to local smoking cessation services can also be arranged. A quitting booklet is offered and sent out to all callers who request it.

There have been a number of social marketing campaigns on smoking developed in Ireland over the past number of years. In 2009 a radio, billboard and television campaign was launched which targeted parents and guardians encouraging them to think about how their smoking effects and influences their children. This campaign has continued in 2010.