Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Health the percentage of population that smoke; the percentage of under 25 year olds who smoke; the reduction in the percentage of persons that smoke following the introduction of smoking ban and the abolishing of ten cigarettes packs [10461/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Slán Survey 2007 states that 29% of respondents reported being current smokers.Smoking was found to be more common among younger adults; 35% of those aged 18-29.The previous Slán Survey in 2002 found that 27% of people reported being regular smokers, with 34% of those aged 18-34.The Survey does state, however, that comparisons across the years are reported with caution because of the different survey methods utilised.The Irish Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) Survey, 2010 found that the number of children (aged 10-17) currently smoking fell from 18% to 12% from 2002 to 2010.This may be attributable in part to the tobacco control measures in place.

The Department is planning for the establishment of a new rolling health and wellbeing survey to provide data on the health status and other health related behaviours of the Irish population, including tobacco prevalence data.This will assist in monitoring the impact of health promotion and tobacco control measures on smoking rates.

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he held any discussions with the Department of Finance with a view to securing a percentage of excise duty raised through the sale of tobacco towards the education of young persons regarding the negative effects of smoking [10462/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Tobacco Policy Review Group is examining a number of areas which need to be developed or enhanced in order to reduce smoking prevalence in Ireland. The Group's report will also examine how to develop our cessation services in order to support those people who want to stop smoking. The Group is considering the introduction of a tobacco industry levy to be ring fenced to fund health promotion and tobacco control initiatives.

The Report of the Tobacco Policy Review Group is nearing completion in my Department and the Groups recommendations will be discussed with other Government Departments.