More Ireland Observations
Tobacco price law ruled illegal
March 04 2010 An Irish law setting minimum retail prices for cigarettes is illegal, judges have ruled. The European Court of Justice rejected Irish government claims that it needs to fix a high minimum price to discourage smoking. That can be achieved, said the Luxembourg judges, by increasing excise duty on tobacco, but imposing a minimum price undermines fair competition in the tobacco market, in breach of EU rules. An EU "Manufactured Tobacco Tax Directive" says makers and importers of tobacco have the right to fix the maximum retail selling price for their products. The directive is designed to ensure that the tax base for cigarettes is subject to the same rules in all member states, and also to "maintain the freedom of manufacturers and importers to make effective use of the competitive advantage resulting from any lower cost prices". Thursday's decision said: "The imposition of a minimum retail selling price means that the maximum retail selling price determined by manufacturers and importers cannot, in any event, be lower than that obligatory minimum price, and is therefore capable of undermining competition by preventing manufacturers or importers from taking advantage of lower cost prices so as to offer more attractive retail selling prices." The judges said the ban on minimum prices does not stop countries blocking the sale of tobacco at a loss, as long as the freedom of manufacturers to fix maximum prices is not affected. Neither do EU rules stop member states from combating smoking: "Public health objectives can be attained by an increase in excise duty." The judgment said the aim of ensuring tobacco prices are high can be "adequately" achieved by increasing VAT, since any excise duty rises are, sooner or later, reflected in an increased retail price, without undermining the freedom of manufacturers to set prices. The same verdict was delivered in similar cases against the French and Austrian governments. Read
Smoking rate soars up to one third despite ban By ALLISON BRAY October 24 2009 A THIRD of the Irish population now smokes, a new survey reveals. A survey of 4,082 people this summer revealed that 33pc of the Irish population had taken up or continued to smoke. It is the highest smoking rate recorded here in the past 11 years, according to the EU's 'HELP -- For A Life Without Tobacco' campaign. Despite hikes in tobacco tax, the smoking ban and a new law against the public display of cigarettes for sale, the number of smokers has steadily risen since 2007 when 29pc of the population smoked. The survey, which was conducted between March and September, revealed the largest group of smokers -- 45pc -- is aged between 16 and 30. Men form the majority of smokers at 38pc, compared with women at 28pc. Prof Luke Clancy, a respiratory consultant and director general of the Research Institute for a Tobacco Free Society last night described the statistics as very disappointing. "There is no evidence of any decline in smoking in this survey, indicating a clear need for higher prices of cigarettes and better treatment of tobacco-dependence," he said. Cigarette maker doubles profits Read
Longford smoker fails in bid to sue tobacco companies 24, April 2007 A Longford man has lost his High Court action against three tobacco companies which he sued for damages because of the effects of smoking. The High Court dismissed the action of 59-year-old John Thomas McCormack, of Abbeylara, finding there was a real and serious risk of an unfair trial. Mr McCormack started smoking at the age of 12 or 13, smoking 10 cigarettes a day. This increased to 30 between 1968 and 1973 and by 2000, he was on 60 to 80 a day, changing brands as the years went on. He was diagnosed as suffering from a smoking-related illness in 1996 and contacted a solicitor about taking an action in 1999. He was one of 17 people taking an action for damages against the State and a number of tobacco companies. Three hundred and eighty-three other cases have been dismissed before reaching trial stage. Mr Justice Gilligan today dismissed the claim, saying that with a trial date not likely until 2009, 13 years after he initiated his case, this would create a clear and patent unfairness in asking the State and tobacco companies to defend the action. It is unclear if the other actions will be withdrawn on the back of this. Read
Junk science and passive smoking Yesterday it was reported that a study by a team from the Research Institute for a Tobacco Free Society in Dublin, led by Clancy, had found that "the smoking ban in Ireland has cut air pollution in pubs and improved bar-workers' health". The study was (of course) widely reported yet a simple glance at the press release should have alerted even the most gullible health correspondent. By their own admission, the team relied on "volunteers" whose evidence consisted of "self-reported workplace exposure" and "self-reported health symptoms". And we're supposed to take this study seriously???!!! Simon Clark Taking Liberties, 17th April 2007 To comment on this and other issues, go to: http://takingliberties.squarespace.com/
Smoking Rebel Tops Election Poll
(16/04/07)
Smoking rebel TD, John Deasy has topped a pre election poll in his constituency. Deasy was sacked by party leader Enda Kenny as opposition Justice Spokesman after defying the smoking ban by lighting up in the Dail bar. Meanwhile his party has issued guidelines to party workers not to smoke while canvassing in the forthcoming general election. It may not have impressed his party leader, but defying the smoking ban has done John Deasy's chances of re-election no harm. Deasy beat 12 other candidates to top an opinion poll carried out in his Waterford constituency. When asked their voting intentions 20% of those polled said they intend to vote for the smoking rebel TD. Transport minister Martin Cullen was his nearest rival on 16%. Cullen topped the poll in the general election of 2002 with Deasy second. This situation now looks set to be reversed with Deasy topping the poll in Waterford by increasing his share of the vote by 5% The increase in John Deasy's popularity with voters can be traced back to his defiance of the smoking ban. Deasy was Fine Gael frontbench spokesman on Justice and openly flouted the ban by smoking in the Dail bar the day after it's introduction. He was subsequently sacked from his post and lambasted by party leader Enda Kenny. Deasy however remained unrepentant and refused to apologise stating he thought the smoking ban was extreme and over the top. He also stated that he felt some accommodation must be made for those who smoke and pointed out that there had been no opportunity to raise objections to the ban and that it was imposed without any debate or vote by parliament. John Deasy's rebellious smoking exploits seem to have struck a chord with voters, but seems to be lost on his own party. As news of his poll topping achievements were released it also emerged that party workers were being warned not to smoke while canvassing. In a guide called 'Canvassing for Results' Fine Gael party workers are told not to smoke at the doorsteps while canvassing for votes. Unintended effects of the smoking ban 07 March 2007 PROFESSOR Luke Clancy of anti-smoking group ASH says: “While the Government was making some efforts to curb tobacco use, they’re not doing enough” (Irish Examiner Letters, March 3). But the same Luke Clancy is perhaps the main reason the smoking ban was introduced. Before the ban, cigarette sales were falling naturally. Since its inception, Gallaher, PJ Carroll and other tobacco companies have reported their sales on the rise again. Due to his political lobbying to increase the price of cigarettes, smuggling is at an all-time high and now, smoking has become a cool thing to do because of the incessant advertising of groups like ASH. Prof. Luke’s actions have closed hundreds of pubs and they are being replaced with off-licences at every twist and turn. His crusade against smokers is a failed piece of social engineering that has driven up smoking rates, closed businesses and made unsupervised home drinking the modern norm. Perhaps the same Government might now look more closely at the funds it provides the professor and his organisation to wage their campaign against over a million voting Irish smokers. John Mallon ReadCig firms and shops should 'stand against' restraints Feb 20th '07 CIGARETTE makers and shopkeepers must stand shoulder to shoulder against the threat posed by increasing government constraints on their business, a leading tobacco industry figure warned yesterday. ReadTobacco industry sees anti-smoke actions die away 18/2/'07 HULKING multibillion pound cigarette firm Imperial Tobacco could end up facing just one Irish compensation lawsuit from the anti-smoking lobby. Read
Smokers paying €18,000 more for life assurance 09 January 2007
By Paul Kelly SMOKERS are paying up to €18,000 more for life assurance than non-smokers, with their premiums up to 150% higher. New figures from the Financial Regulator show that smokers generally pay double for assurance policies, which pay a lump sum in the event of the holder’s death. By shopping around, meanwhile, smokers and non-smokers alike can save as much as €4,500 on the total cost of life assurance. Figures released yesterday show that a 38-year-old male non-smoker can pay as little as €42.60 per month for a 25-year policy with a €300,000 pay-out, while a smoker pays 102.63 for the same policy. The total cost of the non-smoker’s policy is €12,780, over 25 years, while the smoker pays €30,789 — or €18,009 more — for the same assurance. Similarly, the monthly premium for a 38-year-old, non-smoking woman could be as low as €32.30, while a smoker the same age paid €70.18 for her policy. The non-smoking woman pays €9,690 over 25 years for her policy, while the smoker pays €21,051, or €11,361 extra. Females pay less than men for life assurance because they generally live longer. The regulator found a similar pattern on mortgage life protection cover policies, which pay off a home loan if the borrower dies. Smokers in their 20s paid just under double the normal rate, while smokers in their late 30s could expect to pay around 120% extra, and, in their late 40s, 140% more than non-smokers. “Premiums for smokers are much higher than non-smokers due to earlier death among smokers,” said Mary , the regulator’s consumer director. Smokers who give up, she added, can find their premiums drop — after one or two years — as they switch to non-smoker rates. Ms O’Dea stressed, however, that both smokers and non-smokers would do well to shop around for cheaper policies. The life assurance premium for a 26-year-old female non-smoker can be as low as €12.41 with Eagle Star, for instance, but as high as 20 with Irish Life — a difference of €2,732.40 over the lifetime of a 30-year policy. If the same female were a smoker, she could make commensurate savings by shopping around, paying as little as €18.27 with Eagle Star or as much as €25.66 with Irish Life — a difference of €2,660 over the duration of the policy. Premiums rise if holders take out life assurance or mortgage policies later in life, but significant savings can still be made. A 25-year policy for a male smoker in his late 30s can cost €102.63 per month with Irish Life, but as little as €87.41 with Ark Life — a difference of €4,566 over the lifetime of the policy.
My (Smoking) Trip in Ireland Dec 24, 2006 This Nov was my first trip back home since the ban and I was a bit nervous, I must admit. How will this ban have changed my home? I've read lots but until you see something with your own two eyes, it's almost like it's not real. I visited Dublin and Kerry - my adopted hometown and the county I grew up in, respectively. First off, I have to say that seeing my Mum smoking on the street gave me the creeps. It was hard enough to see the little old men and women huddling in the corner of a pub door but when it's your own dear Mother....that's tough! esp. when I know that she was brought up a 'lady' and in her day, only the 'cheap' girls smoked on street corners. That's progress, I guess. Read More
Young smokers on rise despite introduction of smoking ban 12 November 2006
Aileen O’Meara The number of smokers aged between 19 and 35 has been increasing since April 2005, reversing a year-long decline in the number of people smoking after the introduction of the smoking ban in March 2004. The number of smokers aged between 19 and 35 has been increasing since April 2005, reversing a year-long decline in the number of people smoking after the introduction of the smoking ban in March 2004. The number of teenagers and young female smokers has also increased, according to new figures compiled by the Office of Tobacco Control (OTC). Anti-smoking campaigners blame the government for failing to increase the price of cigarettes in the last two budgets. Figures from the OTC show that the number of female smokers has been increasing since June 2005, while the number of smokers in the 19-35 age category has been steadily rising since April 2005. The rate of smoking among other age groups had been declining since the ban was introduced. The government imposed no new taxes on tobacco in the last two budgets, arguing that increased prices would contribute to inflation. The Irish Cancer Society, however, said in its pre-budget submission that an increase of €2 in the price of 20 cigarettes was needed to discourage younger smokers, in particular, from becoming addicted. ‘‘There has been a resurgence in smoking, particularly among 15-35 year olds, and among young women,” said John McCormack, chief executive of the Irish Cancer Society. ‘‘Government policy is unwittingly facilitating access by the tobacco industry to our young people.” More than 1,500 Irish people die from lung cancer annually. ‘‘The evidence shows that price increases do affect the uptake of smoking in young people,” said McCormack. The OTC, which polices the smoking ban, said tobacco prices should increase. The ban has been a widespread success, with popular support for clean air policies in bars and restaurants, and a corresponding reduction in respiratory problems among workers in the hospitality industry. Read
Non-smokers left out in the cold as ban blows up in our faces October 19th 2006 WHEN it happened, I praised the minister for his courage. For years, Micheál Martin’s stupid haircut and unsophisticated dress sense had annoyed me but he had finally come through on something and all was forgiven.
He banned smoking in pubs. No longer would I wander through the dense, smoky smog in search of my pint on the bar. No longer would I endure the painful stinging sensation of a fresh fag burn on my arm as some drunken puffer waddled by and offered the type of apology that I give to the guards when they pull me over for doing 35 in a 30 zone. Free from the ill-effects of the smelly cancer sticks, I rejoiced in the newfound fresh air. All was well... or so it seemed. Two years on and I’m not so sure that the impact of the smoking ban is entirely positive for the avid non-smoker. The whole experience came flooding back to me this week as the French became the latest EU country to impose a smoking ban in public places. The French aren’t happy and tempers are fuming. The same arguments are being bandied about on French TV that were delivered here two years ago when the ban came into place — nanny state, falling bar revenues, the loss of jobs etc. Well what has actually happened? Let me tell you. I don’t doubt that the Irish birth rate statistics will show a remarkable increase in the nine months after Micheál Martin, the minister for bad haircuts, passed the smoking ban into law. The reason being that the ban has made it easy for smokers to score with each other. As the smokers stand in defiance outside the pub huddled together in united puffs of smoke, they all have something in common. They are the bold boys of the class, risking their health and future years on a packet of Silk Cut, as the boring ones, having chosen long life and happiness, are left on their tod in the pub. Starting a conversation is easy outside a pub. You either talk about the smoking ban or if you’re too intellectually inept to hold your own in that area, all you have to is ask for a bloody light. Scoring for the smoker has become idiot-proof. It’s in the bag. You can’t go wrong. The smoking ban has proved Sigmund Freud’s ‘similar to me’ thesis whereby Freud identified that we have more of an attraction to people whom we believe to be similar to ourselves, i.e. smokers! Unfortunately, the same theory doesn’t apply for drinking as we all drink and, according to the CSO, the three people in Kerry who don’t drink are all married. There they stand, the smokers, outside every doorway in the country, bold but oh so beautiful, an unhealthy elite! They have begun a breeding phenomenon that will see babies with chesty coughs being born all over the country in the next 10 years. Just as the English tried to breed us out of existence during the occupation, the smokers have hatched a cunning plan to ensure that smokers rule the roost! I noticed the craze last weekend when I popped out for a drink. The pub was empty as I stood waiting for my friends to come back in from the freezing cold street. I could hear the laughter but was determined to hold my ground. Stand by my philosophy that smoking is not cool. I was near breaking point. The laughter from the street was getting louder. Goddamn smokers having heaps of fun! I looked around the pub as the few non-smokers who were looked towards the door with puppy dog eyes in the remote hope that a thunderous shower would drive their friends back inside. But no such luck. Although the minister was well-meaning when he relegated the fags to the street he didn’t realise that this isolation of the smoker would become their salvation. It reinvigorated a community that that no longer feels like dirty boy in the class. For God’s sake, it makes me want to take up smoking. Please come back into the pub guys — we miss ye! Read
The Irish Office Of Tobacco Control has blamed low paid foreign workers for the increase of tobacco consumption in Ireland. Recent figures released by the Government's Central statistic Office have confirmed a huge increase in cigarette sales in 2005. Tax revenue returns show that almost €2 billion was spent on tobacco products in Ireland during 2005, an increase of 3.5% on 2004
October 10, 2006 Figures revealed by the Central Statistics Office confirm the huge jump in Irish cigarette consumption and sales reported by tobacco manufacturers in Ireland. In the decade prior to the imposition of the smoking ban figures had shown a sharp decline in the sale of cigarettes. The latest figures clearly show this trend has been dramatically reversed following the smoking ban. One manufacturer has even introduced a new brand to the Irish market for the first time in over ten years. The figures make uncomfortable reading for the Office Of Tobacco Control and others who had promised the smoking ban would lead to a reduction in the number of smokers and tobacco they consumed in Ireland as people would have less opportunity to smoke. The Office Of Tobacco Control has blamed foreign workers for the increase. One in three Eastern Europeans smoke compared to just under one in four Irish people insist the Office Of Tobacco Control implying the influx of Eastern European workers to Ireland is responsible for the huge increase in tobacco consumption. However, Foreign workers have been flocking to Ireland for over a decade now and had not prevented the reduction of cigarette sales prior to the ban. It is despicable for the Office Of Tobacco Control to blame foreign workers for the failure of their own policy. The figures released by the Government do not include tobacco imported by the record number of Irish people going on holidays abroad or duty free sales. A 20 pack of cigarettes in Ireland cost's in excess of €6.50 compared to under €3 in many European countries. Irish people now make special 'smoking excursions' to Europe to stock up on tobacco supplies. There is a long established and extensive Irish black market in cigarettes who's sales are also not recorded by official figures. Many Eastern Europeans workers have access to tobacco supplies in their home countries where 20 cigarettes can be as little as €1 a pack, the sales of which don't show up in Irish Statistics either. Despite all this, official figures show a 3.5% increase for 2005 on 2004. The attempt by the Irish Office Of Tobacco Control to make scapegoats of and blame lowly paid foreign workers for this increase is a disgrace and has despicable racist undertones. Read
I'm An Idiot, Get Me Out Of Here
September 6, 2006
According to a Sunday newspaper Michael Martin was "engulfed by smoke" when he went to a French bar while on holiday forcing him to flee. Martin, the minister who imposed the smoking ban on Ireland once more proves what a first class idiot he is.
Described recently as a 'Moron' by actor Brendan Glesson, Michael Martin told a Sunday newspaper of his alarming holiday encounter with French tobacco smoke causing him to flee a bar. According to Martin " We could not handle it". " It got you in the throat, it got you in the nostrils." As Martin and his party made a hasty retreat other visitors to the bar continued to do as they had done for centuries, to drink, smoke and be merry unaffected by the smoke.
At the time he introduced smoking prohibition to Ireland Martin proclaimed that people would flock to Irish smoke free bars. However, this has proven not to be the case. Since the ban when it comes to recreation Irish people have turned their backs on Ireland and it's bars. Michael Martin is no exception and choose to holiday abroad in a country where people are still free to mix and associate as they wish in bars where smoking is permitted. He also had the option of taking his holiday in Scotland, Norway, Italy or Spain, all countries with smoking ban legislation, but preferred to take himself, his family and friends to France, a country renowned for it's love of smoking, smoky bars and restaurants.
According to Martin it was a camping holiday and one would have thought Michael given his hatred for smokers and paranoia about secondary smoke would stay on the camping site and not set foot in bars where no obligation to restrict smoking existed. But proving the idiot he is, he just had to take himself and his friend to a bar full of smokers. Does it not strike Michael Martin a bit odd that the smoke in the bar should single him out for attention and force him to flee ? All other customers were unbothered by the smoke as are millions of pub goers throughout Europe. What is so peculiar about himself that cigarette smoke effects him so much ? According to Martin " I could not stand it. It's hard to go back into bars filled with smoke." Obviously he finds it even harder to stay out of bars filled with smoke. One has to wonder what afflicts him so much he is compelled to go into bars where he knows people will be smoking. Has he have no control over his own free will ?
Visiting bars does seem to pose some difficulty for Michael Martin. Not long after he imposed his smoking ban on Ireland he and a party of friends stopped at a bar with an adjacent restaurant. Unlike the vast majority of people who decide to eat at restaurants Martin and his pals brought their own food and proceeded to make themselves comfortable and avail of the facilities without placing any order. He and his party were duly sent packing and told by the owner never to come back. On another occasion, Martin paid an unplanned visit to a bar when after falling from his bicycle found himself entering the bar through a window he'd broken in the process. However, his Mr Bean like escapades with the bar trade are no joke for owners, staff and customers who have lost their businesses, jobs and seen their social lives turned upside down. Avoir une cigarette Monsieur Martin !
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