Ireland: New plan to combat smoking targeting vulnerable populations

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has expressed concern about the widening gap in smoking prevalence between socioeconomic groups, despite an overall decline in smoking in Ireland. The number of smokers in lower socioeconomic groups is three times higher than in more affluent groups.[1]. To mark World No Tobacco Day, the HSE Health and Wellbeing, Tobacco Free Ireland Programme (TFI) hosted a conference, “Tobacco Endgame: Nobody Left Behind,” and published a new program for 2022-2025 that sets out actions across health services to address the risks of tobacco.[2].

An increase in consumption among the most precarious groups

Overall, in Ireland, the proportion of people who smoke fell from 23% in 2015 to 17% in 2019 and then increased slightly in 2021 to 18%, driven in part by rising prevalence among the most vulnerable populations. The report reveals that smoking is three times higher in the lowest socioeconomic groups (31% in 2015) compared to the most affluent (11% in 2015). While prevalence among the highest socioeconomic group fell by 16% from 2015 to 2021, it increased by 21% in the most deprived groups over the same period. This leads to significant health inequalities, with people in the most deprived areas of Ireland living 4 to 5 years less than those in more affluent areas. According to the latest data, smoking remains the leading cause of premature death and preventable disease in the country, accounting for approximately 4,500 deaths and 44,000 hospitalizations annually. The HSE's new plan outlines a number of actions across health services to address the needs of population groups with higher smoking prevalence, with the aim of reducing health inequalities.

Towards strengthening measures to achieve a tobacco-free generation

Ireland aims to achieve a tobacco-free generation by 2025. In January 2022, the country unveiled a new set of recommendations and best practices for healthcare professionals. The goal was to help them advise and support smoking patients in quitting and preventing relapse to achieve this goal. Special attention will also be paid to targeted tobacco control initiatives to reduce smoking prevalence in hard-to-reach and high-prevalence population groups. The new plan also includes the expansion of smoke-free spaces (campuses, sports facilities, healthcare facilities, etc.) with the aim of denormalizing smoking and protecting young people. The government intends to work jointly with civil society and international tobacco control experts to implement measures recognized internationally as the most effective. Keywords: Ireland, smoking cessation, tobacco-free generation, precariousness

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[1] Press release, World No Tobacco Day: HSE publishes a new plan to tackle tobacco related harm as public shows support for a Tobacco Free Ireland, Health Service Executive website, published 31 May 2022, accessed 1 June 2022 [2] Report, HSE Tobacco Free Ireland Programme, Implementation Plan 2022-2025, Health Service Executive website, published 31 May 2022, accessed 1 June 2022 National Committee Against Smoking |