Arthur Spring (Kerry North-West Limerick, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Health the costs incurred to the Health Service Executive on annual basis since 2008 due to tobacco related illnesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4881/13]

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. In high income countries, such as Ireland, smoking related health care costs account for 6-15% of all annual health care costs. The average cost per admission of treating a smoker in an in-patient setting for a tobacco related illness is €7,700. As this is a service matter, I have referred this question to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.