8 in 10 people want 'lifetime' tobacco ban for children

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More than eight in ten people in Ireland want a 'lifetime ban' on children buying tobacco products, new research has found.

More than eight in ten people in Ireland want a 'lifetime ban' on children buying tobacco products, new research has found.

A total of 83% would back legislation permanently prohibiting the sale of cigarettes or tobacco to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009.

The measure comes into effect in Northern Ireland next year following the passing of legislation in the UK - leaving a major imbalance in tobacco control laws north and south of the border.

Almost three quarters of people (74%) in Northern Ireland surveyed for the same research, want an all-island ban, with 10% against.

The data was released today to coincide with the Irish Heart Foundation’s launch of the Smokefree Generation Alliance in Dublin, a new advocacy group of 24 health charities, patient and professional representative bodies and youth groups, which wants the Government to replicate Britain’s lifetime ban.

"It’s often forgotten how devastating the impact tobacco has on our society," said Mark Murphy, interim Director of Advocacy with the Irish Heart Foundation.

"Smoking still kills 4,500 people each year in the Republic and over 2,000 die annually from smoking-related illnesses in the north.

"Achieving a smoke-free generation on both sides of the border would absolutely transform public health. Future generations will be saved from the enormous harm tobacco causes," Mr Murphy said.

"We can’t have a scenario where children in the Republic are less protected than those in Northern Ireland," he added.

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