Any attempt to tackle tobacco is worth it - Belfast MediaFebruary 13, 2009Smoking is the single greatest preventable cause of premature death and avoidable illness in Northern Ireland, claiming some 2,300 lives here each year. Our smoke-free legislation and the rise in the age of sale to 18 have been extremely positive steps, but the harmful impact of smoking in Northern Ireland is still very real.  As health minister, my aim is to create a tobacco-free society and prevention is most certainly the key, particularly amongst our children and young people. With this in mind, last week I announced my plans to remove cigarette displays in shops and prevent underage access to vending machines. The move is a further step aimed at reducing the level of smoking amongst children and young people in South Belfast and across Northern Ireland.  Following the introduction of the ban on advertising and promotion of tobacco, retail displays have grown in size and prominence. Research has shown that young people are particularly susceptible to tobacco marketing at point of sale and are more likely to take up smoking as a result of exposure to such marketing. I feel that it is time to put a stop to this. Smoking is a life-threatening habit and we should do everything we can to reduce its prevalence. In 2007, almost nine per cent of children aged between 11 and 16 were regular smokers. These children are three times more likely to die of cancer due to smoking than someone who starts in their mid-twenties. My goal is to protect children from smoking and I believe that this is a strong opportunity to do just that. In South Belfast, we are fortunate to have the Cancer Centre on our doorstep with world leading experts providing a highly specialised service. From speaking to these clinicians, I know that any attempt to tackle the uptake in tobacco use is a worthy step. The new measures will also impact on vending machines which are currently a common and easily accessible source of cigarettes for young people. I plan to use the change in legislation to further restrict access to these machines by those aged under 18. Across the world, an increasing number of governments have taken action to prohibit the display of tobacco products.  In these countries, smoking prevalence among young people has fallen by up to 10 per cent. Whilst the proposed changes will primarily benefit children and young people, they will also help those adults who are trying to quit. Following the introduction of smoke-free legislation, we have enjoyed great success with over 21,000 people setting a quit date through smoking cessation services in 2007/08 and this is something I wish to build upon. The cessation services throughout Northern Ireland are doing a fantastic job in encouraging and supporting people in their efforts to quit. The Smoker’s helpline on 0800 858 585 is a freephone service which provides advice and support about stopping smoking.  I would encourage anyone thinking about quitting to contact the cessation services and take the first step. I believe this announcement is yet another example of how a local politician can respond to local issues.  By acting responsibly I know we can make a real difference.

Source: Belfast Media