This article is from page 2 of the 2006-01-03 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 2 JPG
JUST one year after the introduction of the smoke-free workplaces legislation, Ireland has experienced a dramatic reduction in smoking rates. Today 23.6 per cent of the population smoke, a fall of 3.4 per cent in just over one year.
But Munster had a higher smoking rate than some parts of the country to begin with. In 2002 the smoking rate was higher in Munster at 28 per cent than the national rate of 27 per cent.
The North Eastern health Board had one of the lowest smoking rates at 23 per cent but Leinster had the highest smoking rate of 30 per cent.
And studies show that 70 per cent of smokers who want to quit cannot, because of their dependency on nicotine.
Meanwhile, a Clare anti-smoking group has urged members of the public to report premises which flout the antismoking laws.
The HSE and the Clare Smoking Action Group has said that the public needs to be reminded of the right to a smokefree environment.
Ms. Pauline Duke, Senior Environmental Health Officer, has called on the public to play their part in supporting the smoke-free legislation. She has appealed to anyone who has a concern or complaint to contact the National Compliance Line on 1890 333100.
“It’s not that there are any problems in the observance of the new legislation in Clare. The compliance rate at 90 per cent is in fact remarkably high and public awareness has played a crucial part in sustaining this.
“However, there is always the temptation for smokers to overlook the rights of non-smokers”, said Ms Duke.
“Usually all it takes is a polite reminder of the law but if this does not work it is important that people know what to do in order to secure their right to a smoke free environment”, she added.
Ms Geri Quinn, Senior Health Promotion Officer said she is “asking all smokers to seriously think about quitting as their New Year Resolution – three out of every four smokers want to quit.
“Quitting is the single most important thing smokers can do to improve their health and the health of their families.”