Sir, – The findings published by Neuropsychopharmacology magazine, (Mark Hennessy, Home News, October 8th), that links smoking to smaller brain size in new born babies, are startling, not least because the size difference is still apparent after eight years. Considering also the very limited success in obtaining better tobacco controls in the European Parliament on the same day, is it not time for Ireland to act to protect our most vulnerable?
Although it is illegal to sell tobacco products to children under 18 years of age, many of these same children are already well and truly hooked before then. Perhaps we should be protecting them on an ongoing basis. Perhaps it would work if a rolling ban were brought in, ie a nicotine ban that would carry on with them throughout their lives. Ten-year-olds and younger could be protected for life if strict penalties were brought in now and rolled out for them as they get older. It would take some time, but Ireland could be almost totally cleansed of the habit in about 40 years. Other countries might follow if it is seen to be as much a success as was the workplace smoking ban.
All that might be required here is a little bit of vision and determination. Is it worth it for our children’s health? I believe so. – Yours, etc,
ROBERT CARTY,
Orwell Park View,
Templeogue, Dublin 6w.