The impending smoking ban is being credited with a huge increase in the number of people calling the National Smoking Quitline.
In the first five day of this year, 1,637 people called the helpline (1850 201 203). This compares with 544 for the whole of last January.
The Irish Cancer Society stressed the figures were not strictly comparable as the helpline was relaunched in October with longer opening hours, and a major advertising campaign has been running since then.
Nevertheless, Ms Norma Cronin, health promotion manager with the Irish Cancer Society, said there was a clear increase in the numbers of people trying to quit this year.
"The smoking ban is definitely a factor, and smokers who call us are encouraged by it and say they hope it will come in soon because they need that help."
Pubs and social occasions were the scene of many relapses, she said, as alcohol weakened people's resolve.
Most people calling the helpline cited "New Year's resolution" as the reason for trying to quit. However Ms Cronin said the hard-hitting, multi-media campaign which has been running since November was also a major factor. This was the first time to run such a comprehensive campaign with the helpline number displayed prominently.
The helpline, which was originally run by the Irish Cancer Society, is now run by the Department of Health in partnership with the society. It operates from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.
Mr Chris Fitzgerald, principal officer at the Department's health promotion unit, said the helpline had received more than 8,500 calls in the first few months of operation.
Some 58 per cent of calls came from people aged between 21 and 40, and calls divided evenly between males and females.
Mr Fitzgerald said the success of the helpline was encouraging, and it was clear that the smoking ban was offering a way out of the problem for many people.
He said people were also encouraged to take the first step when they saw the level of help and support available.
The continuing rise in the price of cigarettes was a factor for people who were not committed smokers.
It is estimated that about 70 per cent of smokers want to give up the habit.
