Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Question 21: To ask the Minister for Health the steps he will take to tackle smoking in society before his term of office ends; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24284/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Smoking is the greatest single cause of preventable illness and premature death in Ireland, killing over 5,200 people a year. Ireland's public health policy objective in relation to tobacco is to promote and subsequently move towards a tobacco free society. I am committed to moving us closer towards that objective. The Tobacco Policy Review Group will be reporting to me shortly. The report of this group will build on our existing policies and legislation. This group is examining a number of areas which need to be developed or enhanced in order to reduce smoking prevalence in Ireland including the possibility of extending the smoking ban to other areas e.g. educational and health care campuses, playgrounds, public parks, beaches etc. The report will also examine how to develop our cessation services in order to support those people who want to stop smoking. Of major concern to me is the number of young people who are still taking up the habit. The "denormalisation" of smoking within our society is key tool in stopping our children and young people from doing so. To achieve this we must make smoking less attractive to children and increase its social unacceptability. The Deputy will be aware that I recently supported a Private Members Bill, - the Protection of Children's Health from Tobacco Smoke Bill 2012. The intention of this Bill is to ban people from smoking in cars where there are children present.