Local Fianna Fáil Senator Erin McGreehan has welcomed Government approval for legislation that will increase the minimum legal age of sale of tobacco products in Ireland to 21.
Senator McGreehan said the legislation will accelerate the decline in adult smoking prevalence and is part of a series of measures introduced by her party colleague, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly, designed to reduce smoking prevalence among children to zero.
Senator McGreehan said: “I welcome Government approval for this legislation as any measures that help young people avoid addiction and illness from tobacco smoking are to be applauded.
“Tobacco smoking continues to kill 4,500 of our people every year and remains the biggest single cause of disability and death combined in our country.
“I am proud that Fianna Fáil in Government is leading the way in Europe on legislation to eliminate tobacco smoking from our lives and the lives of our children.
“I will continue to work to support our journey towards a tobacco-free Ireland.”
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