The number of smokers fell from 33% in 1998 to 27% in 2002 but jumped alarmingly to 29% last year, according to a survey published by the Department of Health.
Anti-smoking lobbyists ASH Ireland have called for a 50 cent increase in the cost of cigarettes, the removal of all smoking advertising from shops and huge investment in educating young people on the risks of tobacco.
ASH Ireland’s Professor Luke Clancy said he was concerned the study showed 56% of women, aged 18-29, and from the two lowest socioeconomic brackets, were smoking.
The Survey of Lifestyle, Attitudes and Nutrition (SLÁN) found half of the population described their health as “excellent” or “very good” with only 3% describing it as “poor”.
However, a sharp decrease was recorded in the numbers who reported “risky drinking” or having six or more standard drinks at least once a week. This figure dropped from 45% in 2002 to 28% last year.
Source: The Irish Examiner, 30/04/2008
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