Irish Cancer Society CEO Averil Power said:

We know that unfortunately half of all smokers will die from smoking-related diseases, with cancer being the most common cause of death. Sadly over 4,500 people die to smoking related harm in Ireland every year alone.

We very much welcome that Ireland will become the first EU country to raise the smoking age to 21.

Unfortunately, the percentage of young people smoking, which was sharply on the decline, has increased in recent years. This legislation is a significant and very welcome step which we believe will reduce smoking rates and ultimately save lives

However, the Irish Cancer Society is still concerned about the use of tobacco products and e-cigarettes in Ireland and there are further steps that must be taken.

We are calling on Government to:

• Ensure sufficient funding for QUIT support services, including targeted QUIT initiatives and service expansion to also help those using nicotine inhaling products to quit.
• Reduce the attractiveness of vaping to young people through taxation and restrictions on e-cigarette flavours, packaging, point of sale display and use in public areas.