Tobacco.org

• Smoking on rise again  

SMOKERS are on the increase in Ireland despite the introduction of the ban on lighting up in public places nearly three years ago.

The number of smokers reportedly fell from 33 per cent in 1998 to 27 per cent in 2002, but jumped alarmingly to 29 per cent last year, according to a survey published by Ireland's Department of Health.

Anti-smoking lobbyists ASH Ireland have called for a 50 cent increase in the cost of cigarettes, the removal of all smoking advertising from shops and huge investment in educating young people on the risks of tobacco.

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