Madam, - A survey by the Irish Cancer Society has shown that a quarter-of-a million cigarette smokers tried to quit the habit in 2000 on National No Smoking day. Only 9 per cent succeeded for 24 hours.
Nicotine addicts require appropriate services to help them quit this major addiction, which adds significant costs to the health services. An innovative strategic plan is urgently required to tackle this serious health issue.
Excise duties and VAT on nicotine products will yield €700 million to the Exchequer in 2003. A fraction of this revenue, say 10 per cent, should be allocated to the Minister of Health and Children for this purpose. Would a cost/benefit analysis by a health economist support this proposal? - Yours, etc.,
Dr GERALDINE BROPHY, Farmleigh Avenue, Stillorgan, Co Dublin.