Sir, – Paul Cullen's report "Irish smoking rates falling fastest in EU, says survey" (May 29th) highlights that currently just 21 per cent of Irish people identify as smokers.
Research has suggested that there has been a significant decrease in smoking and smoking-related illnesses following implementation of tobacco-control measures, namely the workplace smoking ban in 2004, the ban on advertising of tobacco products at point of sale displays, the introduction of graphic health warnings and anti-smoking images on tobacco packs. Results from a European Commission survey highlight that while these tobacco control measures have not always been popular, rates of smoking have and continue to be on the decline.
Plain packaging will be introduced in 2017. It will make for a fascinating issue for health researchers in the coming years. Results from this European Commission’s survey reinforce Ireland’s commitment to tackling smoking as a global health issue. – Yours, etc,
DIANE O’DOHERTY,
Limerick.