Nearly 100 people die every week in Ireland from health problems caused by smoking, the government has confirmed.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly highlighted the “sad” figures about the impact on people who smoke tobacco products in a statement to mark National No Tobacco Day today.
“Smoking tobacco products is highly addictive,” he says.
“Sadly, almost 100 people die and 1,000 people are admitted to hospital in Ireland every week as a result of the preventable harm caused by smoking. This has to change,” he added.
Minister Donnelly and Ireland’s Public Health Minister Hildegard Norton went on to praise the efforts of people trying to kick the habit.
Approximately 19,000 people in Ireland contacted the Health Executive (HSE)’s smoking cessation program in 2023.
Under this program, medicines such as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) will be made available free of charge across the country and have proven to be of great help to people wishing to quit smoking.
The use of NRT products in Ireland has increased by nearly 10% over the past four years.
Nearly 100 people die every week in Ireland from smoking-related illnesses.“The good news is that the number of people seeking help to quit smoking is at an all-time high in the health service’s history,” Mr Donnelly said.
“This shows a real desire for people to quit the habit for good.
“Quiting takes courage and determination, but we congratulate every smoker who takes the first step to a healthier life.”
Minister Norton said: “We have made significant progress, reducing the proportion of people who smoke from 23 per cent in 2015 to 18 per cent in 2022.
“Around 22,000 people are expected to attend HSE smoking cessation services this year, of which a quarter will require medical intervention and support. This year we will spend €1.82 million helping people to quit smoking. We are delighted to have secured it,” she added.
“We are optimistic that with the help of drugs like nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), which are now freely available, the downward trend towards a smoke-free society will continue.
“We encourage anyone who smokes to join the HSE’s smoking cessation program and quit for a happier and healthier life.”
