Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Question 302: To ask the Minister for Health the average life expectancy of a 13-year-old child when tobacco-based products are consumed and when tobacco-based products are not consumed; his views on the health benefits to minors of not consuming tobacco-based products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14127/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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In the context of the Deputy's question regarding the impact of smoking on a child, I can report that half of all long-term smokers will die from smoking-related diseases; and more than half of all children who start smoking will die prematurely from a smoking-related disease. This fact clearly demonstrates the health benefits to minors of abstention from smoking.

Finally, in Ireland, tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death.