Written answers

Tuesday, 23 October 2012

Department of Health

Tobacco-Related Diseases

Photo of Ray ButlerRay Butler (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Health if his Department or the Health Service Executive have conducted any studies on the comparative negative health impact of smoking counterfeit cigarettes bought on the streets versus legal cigarettes purchased in stores; if he will confirm whether any studies demonstrate that smoking counterfeit cigarettes poses an even greater damage to a person's health than a person who smokes legal cigarettes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45766/12]

Photo of James ReillyJames Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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My Department has not conducted or commissioned studies on the comparative negative health impact of smoking counterfeit cigarettes versus legal cigarettes. Smoking is the greatest single cause of preventable illness and premature death in Ireland, killing over 5,200 people a year. All tobacco products, whether legally produced, illicit or counterfeit are injurious to health and are therefore a threat to public health. The Department of Health’s policy in relation to smoking is to promote and subsequently move toward a tobacco free society. The Tobacco Policy Review Group was established to identify what further policy proposals might be introduced aimed at reducing the prevalence and initiation of smoking in Ireland. The Tobacco Policy Review Group is due to report shortly and this report will build on our existing policies and legislation.

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