Menu
28/02/2012
Minister Launches Tobacco Strategy For NI
Health Minister Edwin Poots today launched a new ten-year tobacco control strategy for Northern Ireland.
The new strategy has three main objectives: to reduce the numbers of people in Northern Ireland taking up smoking; to encourage more smokers here to quit; and to afford greater protection for the whole population from tobacco-related harm.
Launching the new publication at an event in the Public Health Agency (PHA), the Minister said: "Smoking remains the single greatest cause of preventable illness and premature death in Northern Ireland and is the leading cause of health inequalities in our society.
"We have undoubtedly made good progress in recent years with milestone achievements such as the introduction of smoke-free legislation; the increase in age-of-sale requirements; and the significant development of smoking cessation services."
The Minister also admitted that further work was required: "Smoking prevalence amongst our general adult population has remained in and around 24% since 2007, and for manual workers, prevalence rates are even higher at 31%. Clearly we still have some way to go before we achieve the substantial reductions we are seeking with regards to smoking prevalence."
The new strategy has been developed by a multi-sectoral working group and replaces the Department's previous Tobacco Action Plan. While the new strategy takes account of the population as a whole, it will continue to focus on a number of key priority groups: children and young people; pregnant women and their partners, who smoke; and disadvantaged people who smoke.
(CD/GK)
The new strategy has three main objectives: to reduce the numbers of people in Northern Ireland taking up smoking; to encourage more smokers here to quit; and to afford greater protection for the whole population from tobacco-related harm.
Launching the new publication at an event in the Public Health Agency (PHA), the Minister said: "Smoking remains the single greatest cause of preventable illness and premature death in Northern Ireland and is the leading cause of health inequalities in our society.
"We have undoubtedly made good progress in recent years with milestone achievements such as the introduction of smoke-free legislation; the increase in age-of-sale requirements; and the significant development of smoking cessation services."
The Minister also admitted that further work was required: "Smoking prevalence amongst our general adult population has remained in and around 24% since 2007, and for manual workers, prevalence rates are even higher at 31%. Clearly we still have some way to go before we achieve the substantial reductions we are seeking with regards to smoking prevalence."
The new strategy has been developed by a multi-sectoral working group and replaces the Department's previous Tobacco Action Plan. While the new strategy takes account of the population as a whole, it will continue to focus on a number of key priority groups: children and young people; pregnant women and their partners, who smoke; and disadvantaged people who smoke.
(CD/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 November 2011
No Smoking Day Details Outlined
A conference has heard that smokers across Northern Ireland are to be again urged to break free from their smoking habit. That was the challenge set this week by the No Smoking Day team and the Ulster Cancer Foundation at a regional conference to brief health professionals in preparation for No Smoking Day – Wednesday 14th March 2012.
No Smoking Day Details Outlined
A conference has heard that smokers across Northern Ireland are to be again urged to break free from their smoking habit. That was the challenge set this week by the No Smoking Day team and the Ulster Cancer Foundation at a regional conference to brief health professionals in preparation for No Smoking Day – Wednesday 14th March 2012.
14 March 2012
NI Smokers Urged To Quit
People are being urged to kick their smoking habit to mark the official No Smoking Day 2012 following claims that 24% of NI's adult population smoke. According to recent statistics smoking still kills almost 2,300 people each year in Northern Ireland and leaves thousands more are living with debilitating illnesses as a result of their addiction.
NI Smokers Urged To Quit
People are being urged to kick their smoking habit to mark the official No Smoking Day 2012 following claims that 24% of NI's adult population smoke. According to recent statistics smoking still kills almost 2,300 people each year in Northern Ireland and leaves thousands more are living with debilitating illnesses as a result of their addiction.
17 December 2019
Make It Your New Year's Resolution To Stop Smoking
As the New Year approaches, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people to make a resolution worth keeping – to quit smoking. The agency has launched a mass media campaign to encourage people to stop smoking and highlight the free quit services that are available across Northern Ireland.
Make It Your New Year's Resolution To Stop Smoking
As the New Year approaches, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people to make a resolution worth keeping – to quit smoking. The agency has launched a mass media campaign to encourage people to stop smoking and highlight the free quit services that are available across Northern Ireland.
05 January 2005
HPA highlights dangers of passive smoking
The Health Promotion Agency (HPA) in Northern Ireland has launched a new campaign highlighting the dangers of passing smoking. Commenting on the issue, Chief Medical Officer for the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Dr Henrietta Campbell said she could not stress enough that “passive smoking kills”.
HPA highlights dangers of passive smoking
The Health Promotion Agency (HPA) in Northern Ireland has launched a new campaign highlighting the dangers of passing smoking. Commenting on the issue, Chief Medical Officer for the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Dr Henrietta Campbell said she could not stress enough that “passive smoking kills”.
27 January 2022
Executive Publish New Draft Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland
A new draft Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland (ISNI) has been produced by the NI Executive, the First Minister Paul Givan and deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill have announced.
Executive Publish New Draft Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland
A new draft Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland (ISNI) has been produced by the NI Executive, the First Minister Paul Givan and deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill have announced.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Dry with clear skies this evening. Patchy cloud will increase at times overnight, but some clear spells too. Light winds and some patchy shallow mist or fog towards dawn. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
