Irelands first Dedicated Research Institute into a range of Tobacco Issues and Behaviours Launched
Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Mr
Seán Power TD, launched the Research Institute for a Tobacco Free
Society in the Digital Hub, Dublin today (7th February).
Minister Sean Power, who launched R.I.F.T.F.S. today said, "The
Tobacco Free Research Institute will be a valuable public health
instrument in providing data on all aspects of health and tobacco.
The resources and measures being put in place now will have health
benefits for our children and for future generations in protecting
them from the threat of addiction to tobacco products. Much has
been achieved to date in reducing smoking levels among our
population. This translates into lives saved and avoidance of
needless suffering associated with tobacco related illness such as
lung cancer and emphysema. As we approach the first anniversary of
the Smoke Free Workplace Initiative we must continue with our
efforts to ensure the threat to public health from tobacco
consumption is dealt with on all fronts".
Professor Ivan Perry, chairman of the Institute said, "this
Institute is unique not just in Ireland but in world terms.
We are building a multi-disciplinary academic community around the
issue of tobacco control - and we plan to support the development
of a Tobacco Free Society. Ireland has taken the lead in the
fight against tobacco control yet we have very little home based
research to support our initiatives and ongoing progress.
R.I.F.T.F.S is now set to revolutionise our approach to developing
specific data on a wide range of tobacco related issues"
R.I.F.T.F.S will provide the ideal support for health
initiatives - such as smoke-free workplaces. We know there is
immense benefit to workers aligned to this progressive legislation
- and now we will be in a position to demonstrate this. This
will be important for the Government as it considers other
initiatives into the future - and countries around the world
consider our progress.
Professor Luke Clancy, Director of R.I.F.T.F.S said today, "this
is a unique opportunity for Ireland to capitalise on its
groundbreaking health initiatives by providing definitive data to
the rest of the world which will expose a killer product for what
it is. I have little doubt that we can make a massive
contribution in informing Governments and wider society of the
effects of first and second hand tobacco smoke with the projects
underway and planned. The health and economic benefit of
proving the massive negative impact of tobacco use are potentially
enormous-and R.I.F.T.F.S can make a significant contribution in the
years ahead"
Mr Ray Mitchell, Chief Executive Officer of the Office of the
Tobacco Control, welcomed the Institute and the partnerships that
have been established with the key academic institutions in
Ireland. He said that "research is fundamental to the Office's role
as the national statutory body with responsibility for advising the
Minister for Health and Children and the Government on tobacco
control policies and strategies"
This Institute is based on a partnership between the Office of
Tobacco Control, ASH Ireland, The Irish Heart Foundation and the
Irish Cancer Society.
RIFTFS has established research partnerships with,
DCU, UCD, UCC, DIT, and TCD. The research will be independent
- and this is a critical factor in informing our decision makers as
they plan a healthier future.