Taoiseach Bertie Ahern planted a chestnut tree in Dublin's St Stephen's Green this afternoon to mark the first anniversary of the workplace smoking ban on March 29th.
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The Taoiseach at today's event in St Stephen's Green, Dublin. Photograph: John Collins. |
Mr Ahern said the consistently high compliance rates have proven the success of the ban, which would have a long term impact in reducing the number of smoking-related illnesses, such as cancer and emphysema.
"It is always nice in our lifetime to do something collectively that is good for the next generation. It is more important really than doing something for today because today moves on pretty quick and is forgotten even quicker."
He pointed out that since it started in October 2003 the National Smoking Quitline has received 30,000 calls, and it is estimated 7,000 smokers have given up, with many more reducing their intake of tobacco.
"As we are all aware smoking continues to provide a major challenge to our health services," said Mr Ahern.
"It is currently estimated that 90 percent of all lung cancers, one of the most common forms of cancer, are related to both active and passive smoking. While it is too early to provide exact figures, it is clear that the ban on smoking in the workplace will have a positive effect not only on our national health, but also on the function of our health service.
"I'm only too aware that for a lot of people it changed the way they did things for a long, long time. It was difficult for them but they complied for the greater good."
Mr Ahern said any economic impact due to the loss in revenue from tobacco duty was mitigated by the reduction in money spent on treating tobacco-related illnesses through the health services.