High compliance with the smoke-free workplace law means dramatic reduction in exposure to smoke
Smoking prevalence in Ireland falls to less than one-in-four
from almost one-in-three in 1998
But Office of Tobacco Control (OTC) says no room for complacency
in tobacco control as slight increase in the numbers smoking in
recent months
At today's (Monday, 10 October) launch of the OTC's 2004 Annual
Report, Dr Michael Boland, Chairman of the OTC said that the
introduction of the smoke-free workplace legislation, which has
been hugely popular and successful, has been a highly effective
measure in protecting workers and other third parties from the
harmful effects of second-hand smoke.
Dr Boland said, "The smoke-free workplace legislation has
already brought health benefits to the public as early research
indicators are highlighting. Ireland has led the way on
introducing such legislation, with five other EU countries
following suit and many more engaging in debate on the matter."
An evaluation of the official hospitality sector data shows
there has been no adverse economic effect from the introduction of
this measure. Bar retail sales in volume terms have increased
during the last three-month period (year-on-year) following a
four-year decline. The numbers employed in this sector in the
first quarter of this year have increased to 23,200 - up 1,400 from
the previous quarter. This represents the most significant
quarterly increase in employment since the second quarter of
2002.
"It must be stressed that while the smoke-free workplace
legislation is the country's most well-known tobacco control
measure, it is only one part of a wider suite of measures which we
know are effective. We must continue to pursue these."
The OTC's Annual Report was launched by the Tánaiste and
Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney TD in the Merrion
Hotel, Dublin.
Speaking at the launch the Tánaiste said that, "2004 was a
particularly significant year for public health policy. The
smoke-free workplace initiative, introduced on the 29 March, was an
historic day, when most enclosed places of work became free from
toxic tobacco smoke."
"The response from all sectors to this measure has been very
positive with very high compliance levels. This reflects the
goodwill that exists for a clean smoke-free environment in the
workplace. Workers and the public continue to enjoy and
benefit from this ground breaking public health measure."
"The threat to health from tobacco is a global one. The
World Health Organisation has put in place an international tobacco
control treaty, the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, to
reduce death and disease from tobacco. This treaty has been
signed by Ireland and its ratification will be brought before the
Dáil during the current session."
Dr Boland explained that a secondary impact of the introduction
of the smoke-free workplace legislation has been a reduction in
smoking prevalence, details of which have been published today by
the OTC. The incidental reduction in Irish rates of 6% is in
line with international evidence.
The new research shows that the numbers smoking in Ireland have
declined to 23.6% in August 2005, (less than one-in-four of the
population) from 31% in 1998 (almost one-in-three). There has
also been a significant drop over the last two years in the number
of cigarettes being smoked, particularly among heavy smokers.
Dr Boland warned however, that there is no room for complacency as
the downward trend in smoking prevalence shows a slight reversal
over recent months. Dr Boland said that this is a reminder to
us all about the importance of continued and vigorous
implementation of a comprehensive integrated tobacco control
programme.
Dr Boland said that a more in-depth analysis of the prevalence
data reveals that some progress seems to have been made in relation
to female smoking, with current smoking rates among women being
fairly flat. However, there are also some grounds for concern
in the figures.
"Almost one fifth of 15-18 year olds continue to smoke - even
though it is illegal for tobacco products to be sold to them.
Retailers have to obey the law and we now have to turn our
attention to more vigorous enforcement of the law in this
regard. In particular leadership within the retail sector has
got to offer more creative solutions to this problem. In
addition, we need to acknowledge the reality that cigarettes are
very affordable particularly for young people. This issue
needs to be addressed as a priority."
"Together with the recent slight upward trend in cigarette
smoking, the figures in relation to young people continue to be
extremely worrying. Going forward if we are to make further
progress we need a substantial increase above the rate of inflation
in tobacco taxes in the upcoming Budget; a complete ban on all
tobacco advertising including point-of-sale; better compliance with
the law by retailers in order to protect children; and continued
targeted cessation programmes to support smokers trying to
quit."