Key successes are:-
- Smoking prevalence has reduced amongst all key target groups as well as among the general adult population.
- Introduction of the smoke-free legislation in 2007 – a major public health success, helping to protect the population from the damaging effects of tobacco smoke.
- There are now over 600 smoking cessation services in a range of setting across NI, including pharmacies, GP surgeries and community centres. These services have helped nearly 65,000 set quit dates from 2005/06 – 2008/09.
- The age of sale for tobacco products increased from 16 to 18 in September 2008.
- Ongoing successful preventative measures including public information campaigns and education initiatives.
Speaking on No Smoking Day the Minister said: “We have made significant progress on tobacco control in Northern Ireland in recent years. Smoking prevalence has reduced and this is to be welcomed but we still have a long way to go. I want to see this come down even further.
“Smoking kills! It is a highly destructive habit that leads to many preventable deaths each and every year. Health inequalities would also be greatly reduced if people stopped smoking.
“I understand quitting smoking is not easy but I know the vast majority of smokers want to give up. This is No Smoking Day and I would encourage you do so today. Help is available through specialist smoking cessation services, including those based in community pharmacies.”
Turning to the issue of preventing children and young people taking up the habit, the Minister said: “I am concerned that children and young people are still taking up the habit. They are risking their health now and in the future. We must do all we can to prevent this from happening – this includes restricting their access to tobacco products.
“Regulations to ban retail displays of tobacco products and sales from vending machines are currently with the Executive, and I hope to put them out for consultation as soon as possible."
The Minister concluded: “Tobacco causes much harm to our society. Lives are being lost. My Department, and the Public Health Agency, is therefore in the process of developing a new plan for 2010-201,5 to build on much of the excellent work that has already taken place to reduce the devastating impact of tobacco.”
Notes to editors:
1. A copy of the Review is available by contacting the EIS Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned. The document will be available from 9.30am online or by contacting the EIS Duty Officer after 17.00hrs.
2. Smoking is estimated to cause over 2,300 deaths in Northern Ireland each year. This means that smoking is the leading cause of preventable death. Reducing smoking prevalence remains a public health priority.
3. A multi-sectoral working group, chaired by Dr Elizabeth Mitchell, Deputy CMO of the Department, was responsible for reviewing the 2003-2008 Plan and is currently developing a new Plan for 2010-2015 which is expected to be published next year.
4. Membership of the working group includes: voluntary organisations, e.g. Ulster Cancer Foundation, Chest, Heart and Stroke, and the Community Health Development Network; other Government Departments; the Public Health Agency; HMRC; and the Centre for Public Health, amongst others.
5. Smoking prevalence rates are conducted through a number of surveys including: the Continuous Household Survey (CHS); the Young Persons Behaviour and Attitudes Survey (YPBAS); and the Infant Feeding Survey (IFS). Current rates are –
- 24% for adults (2008/09 – CHS)
- 30% for manual workers (2008/09 – CHS)
- 8.8% for 11-16 year olds (2007 – YPBAS)
- 18% for pregnant women (2005 – IFS)
6. Press enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0575. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
