8 in 10 people want 'lifetime' tobacco ban for children

A recent study reveals that the vast majority of people in Ireland support a lifetime ban on children purchasing tobacco products. Eighty-three percent of respondents favor the legislation, which would prohibit the sale of cigarettes or tobacco products to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009. This measure is set to take effect in Northern Ireland next year, following the passage of similar legislation in the UK. This creates a significant disparity in tobacco control laws between the two regions.

Seventy-four percent of those surveyed in Northern Ireland support an all-island ban, with 10% opposed. The research, conducted by Ipsos B&A in July, surveyed 1,000 adults aged 18 and over in both the Republic and Northern Ireland. The findings were released to coincide with the launch of the Smokefree Generation Alliance, a new advocacy group comprising 24 health charities, patient and professional representative bodies, and youth groups.

The group aims to replicate Britain's lifetime ban, urging the government to adopt the same approach.

Mark Murphy, interim Director of Advocacy with the Irish Heart Foundation, emphasized the devastating impact tobacco has on society. Smoking still claims the lives of 4,500 people annually in the Republic and over 2,000 in Northern Ireland from smoking-related illnesses. Achieving a smoke-free generation on both sides of the border would transform public health, Mr. Murphy stated. The current national smoking rate in Ireland remains at 17%.

Fidelma Carter, Director of Policy, Research, and Prevention with Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke, believes this presents a significant opportunity for all-island alignment. The UK's legislation gradually increases the legal age for tobacco sales, effectively making it unattainable for those aged 17 and under. The Republic has already made strides in smoking prevention, such as banning smoking in the workplace 22 years ago and implementing Tobacco 21.

Now, there is an urgent need for a unified approach to the gradual eradication of tobacco sales across the island. A majority of smokers surveyed in favor of the lifetime ban, indicating strong public support for this measure.