Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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535. To ask the Minister for Health if he will outline the programme for smoking cessation training staff in the Health Service Executive; if he will provide a breakdown of the number of persons that participated in this smoking cessation training in 2013; the cost and the benefits of this programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11803/14]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Department of Health's policy on smoking is to promote and subsequently move toward a tobacco free society. Ireland's current policy document, Tobacco Free Ireland, which I launched on 3 October 2013, sets a target for Ireland to be tobacco free (i.e. with a prevalence rate of less than 5%) by 2025. Smoking cessation is a key goal if we are to meet that target. Treating tobacco addiction as a care issue is a critical principle underpinning Tobacco Free Ireland. The appropriate management of tobacco addiction can significantly reduce the burden of chronic disease on individuals, their families and the healthcare services.

The HSE is responsible for the provision of smoking cessation services, and as such the Deputy's question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.