Smoking-related illnesses kill some 7,000 Irish people each year, the Minister for Health, Mr Martin said today at the launch of a competition to promote quitting the habit.
Almost a third of people in Ireland smoke, with the less well off most likely to take up the habit.
"It has been estimated that there are 7,000 smoking-related deaths in Ireland each year, most of which are preventable," the minister said.
"While this is a frightening statistic, the reality of the huge amount of ill health and suffering caused by smoking and its effects is even more devastating."
Launching the Kick the Habitcompetition for construction workers, Mr Martin said nearly half of building workers smoked.
The Construction Workers Health Trust estimates the percentage of smokers among its workers at 44 per cent. The national average is 30 per cent.
He said that the competition was being launched on Ash Wednesday as it was a day when many people decided to give up the habit.
"I am calling today on all workmates, family and friends to encourage and support those who are giving up smoking from today, to stay free from tobacco for good," Mr Martin said.
The competition, organised by the Construction Workers Health Trust is now in its fifth year.Every competition entrant who manages to give up smoking for three months will be entered into a prize draw with the chance of winning a holiday for two.
Almost 30 per cent of those who took part in the competition in previous years remain non-smokers.