Ireland: Reilly Wants Every Cigarette to Cost €1 in Anti-smoking Drive

Source from:  Irish Independent (ie)  04/01/2013

Health Minister James Reilly wants to see each cigarette cost €1 to drive home to smokers the dangers of their habit.

He was speaking at the launch of the "Healthy Ireland" document which aims to improve the nation's lifestyle habits and get all government departments working together to make it easier for people to give up some of their sins.

However, the document, which is not costed, remains largely aspirational except for a commitment that the cabinet committee on social policy will oversee its progress, a high-level implementation plan will be drawn up and a Healthy Ireland Council will be set up.

It promises to involve other agencies, including local government, to promote more green spaces, paths and cycle lanes.

It echoes previous reports such as the task force on obesity, which was largely ignored and the document published last year on alcohol abuse, the recommendations of which have yet to be enforced.

Referring to his crusade to cut down on smoking, the minister, who is known to have enjoyed a cigar in the past, said if each cigarette cost a euro people will "think long and hard before they inhale".

He repeated his intention to bring a memo to Government to introduce plain packaging for cigarettes although no timescale was given.

Exposure

Junior Health Minister Alex White, who is responsible for promised changes to reduce alcohol consumption, said "in your face" promotions need to be tackled and called for cross co-operation in cutting down exposure to drinks advertising.

But he failed to spell out any precise actions and give any timetable for the changes.

Dr Reilly said it would probably be the end of the decade before alcohol sponsorship of sport is banned.

The document contains 64 actions and several warnings about the slide towards more obesity and increase in chronic diseases. Enditem