The consultation addresses the need to protect children and young people and the importance of helping smokers to quit. It will seek views on a range of issues, including the need for further controls on advertising at point of sale and tobacco vending machines.
The Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey said: “Smoking is the single greatest preventable cause of premature death and avoidable illness in Northern Ireland – claiming some 2,300 lives here each year.
“Later in the year my officials will begin the process of rolling forward our Five Year Tobacco Action Plan (2003-2008) and responses from Northern Ireland to this consultation will undoubtedly provide useful information on the development of the plan.”
He added: “The introduction of smoke-free legislation last year has enabled us all to enjoy a healthier work and social environment. This, together with the fact that people are seeking professional help from smoking cessation services in increasing numbers, will undoubtedly help us make progress towards our long-term aim of a tobacco-free society.
“However, I recognise that this is not enough. A key factor in reducing prevalence is to discourage adoption of the smoking habit. Evidence shows that, in Northern Ireland, 79% of adult smokers took up the habit in their teens and that 11% of children aged 11-15 years are regular smokers.
“That is why it is important that we seek views on the need for further controls on the display of tobacco products in retail environments and on sales from vending machines.”
The consultation is available on the Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk/en/Consultations/Liveconsultations/DH_085120 and will run until 8 September 2008.
Notes to editors:
1. The responses to the consultation in England are intended to help inform the development of a national cross-government tobacco control strategy.
2. The consultation document will be issued to a wide range of interests in Northern Ireland including statutory and voluntary sector organisations with an interest in tobacco control, the tobacco industry and retailers’ organisations.
3. Tobacco advertising across the United Kingdom is governed by the Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Act 2002. The Tobacco Advertising and Promotion (Point of Sale) Regulations 2004 also extend to Northern Ireland.
4. The Northern Ireland Five Year Tobacco Action Plan was launched in 2003 and, although aimed at the population as a whole, identified three key target groups as requiring particular action. These are: children and young people, disadvantaged adults who smoke, and pregnant women who smoke.
5. Press enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0575, or out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
