Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal, Alan Farrell has urged people to take the initiative to quit smoking and engage with the supports available.
Deputy Farrell said, “This Sunday, May 31st, marks ‘World No Tobacco Day’, and I would urge all smokers to consider the effect the habit is having on their lives and the lives of their loved ones.”
“We still see too many deaths every year from smoking in Ireland, annually almost 6,000 people will lose their life due to the habit. This number makes smoking the leading cause of avoidable death in the State. We also know that 50% of smokers will die because of conditions related to smoking.”
Deputy Farrell continued, “While it may be difficult or even daunting to quit, it is possible. The HSE have a range of programmes that smokers can engage with at no cost and smokers are more likely to quit permanently, when receiving assistance.”
“This government has taken action to bring down the smoking rate in Ireland including increases in tax, removal of vending machines, awareness campaigns and recently banning the sale of menthol cigarettes; and we are seeing the numbers come down, however, despite government initiatives and advertising campaigns being effective, we still rely on smokers taking the first step in deciding to quit.”
“Smoking takes 10 – 15 quality years off your life, a significant number of years that are limited due to smoking.”
“I hope that smokers will reflect on the health, personal and indeed, financial gains that come from deciding to quit. Supports are available online, on the phone, through the HSE and your local GP”.