Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

PA Archive

Almost one in every four Irish adults smokes - and the numbers aren't falling

Some 23% of adults in Ireland smoke, the same proportion as in 2015.

JUST UNDER A quarter of the adult population in Ireland smokes, according to the latest Healthy Ireland survey – and that proportion has not fallen since last year.

Some 23% of adults in Ireland smoke, the same proportion as in the 2015 survey.

Just under half of all smokers (48%) want to stop smoking, meanwhile – again, the same proportion recorded a year ago.

Despite Government health warnings that one in every two smokers will die of a tobacco-related illness, one in every five people under the age of 25 smoke, according to the survey.

Ireland was the first country in the world to ban smoking in the workplace back in 2004, and the Irish Cancer Society says there have been 4,000 fewer smoking-related deaths thanks to the ban.

A fifth of all women smoke (20%), a lower percentage than men (26%).

Women aged under 25 are more likely to smoke than men of the same age, the new survey found. About one in five of all adult smokers (19%) smoke daily, while 4% say they smoke occasionally.

Smoking will soon be banned in most Irish playgrounds, while the recent Budget2017 saw another 50c rise in the tax on tobacco.

A similar proportion of the Irish population (18%) are exposed to second-hand smoke on a daily basis, meanwhile. Non-smokers in more deprived areas are more likely to be exposed to second-hand smoke than those in more affluent areas, the report found.

There is good news, however. Among those aged 35 and older, there are considerably more ex-smokers (32%) than current smokers (20%).

However the situation is reversed among those younger than 35: 14% are ex-smokers, but 27% are current smokers.

shutterstock_344107754 Shutterstock Shutterstock

Heavy drinkers

The second Healthy Ireland Survey also found that just 3% of Irish people regard themselves as heavy drinkers.

Some 97% of the Irish population regard themselves as teetotal, light or moderate drinkers, although almost one in every three adults binge drink regularly.

In 2014, Ireland came second in a WHO list of countries with the worst binge-drinking, which is classified as drinking six units of alcohol (three pints, six small glasses of wine or six single spirit measures) in a single sitting.

A majority of Irish males (55%) – and roughly one in every five Irish women (18%) see themselves as binge drinkers.

A quarter of all Irish adults, however, do not drink at all.

The study was based on 7,500 Irish people over the age of 15 surveyed by Ipsos MRBI.

Read: Men told to limit themselves to six pints a week

Read: “Ireland has a serious problem – we drink too much alcohol”

Read: Make no mistake – the drinks industry cares about sales, not you

Read: Ireland’s alcohol consumption in one handy infographic

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
88 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Rochelle
    Favourite Rochelle
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 9:14 AM

    “just 3% of Irish people regard themselves as heavy drinkers.”

    A great way to start the morning with a joke.

    294
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute James Darcy
    Favourite James Darcy
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 9:24 AM

    Agreed! I find it convenient to name the few people I know who don’t have over drink regularly.

    39
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ian O Connell
    Favourite Ian O Connell
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 11:09 AM

    Rochelle: what’s a heavy drinker in your eyes?

    12
    See 3 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Diarmaid Mac Aonghusa
    Favourite Diarmaid Mac Aonghusa
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 11:55 AM

    @Ian O Connell: Anyone over about 15 stone.

    88
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute garb yakob
    Favourite garb yakob
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 1:26 PM

    Heavy is more than 1 drink per day {7 pw}, or enough to get you drunk if the avg happens to be less than 7 pw. Addict is when you can’t / won’t go more than a week without having one. Some rules of thumbs ive gathered in my exp. I find it pretty ‘accurate’, just sharing. If don’t agree good for you :)

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tom Collins
    Favourite Tom Collins
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 3:21 PM

    I would say these figures would be dramatically reduced if vapors were not included as smokers

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eyepopper
    Favourite Eyepopper
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 9:24 AM

    Whatever about older people, I can’t understand why a young person would take up smoking these days.

    145
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Drew TheChinaman :)
    Favourite Drew TheChinaman :)
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 10:40 AM

    The same reasons that people your age did when they were a teenager… not that much as changed. Nicotine is still addictive, smoking is still habit forming, smoking is still rebellious and cool, young people are still influenced by friends and follow the group, parents still lecture them that smoking is bad.

    We even have e-cigarettes seen as better and more acceptable than the alternative and they skirt all the smoking bans and make the habit easier to maintain…

    56
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eucrid
    Favourite Eucrid
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 11:59 AM

    @Drew TheChinaman :): hopefully e-cigs can cut down on teenage nicotine addiction because they look about as cool as bumbag full of FG flyers.

    38
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute William Grogan
    Favourite William Grogan
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 12:23 PM

    @Eucrid: Obviously the schools and the department of education are totally failing the children in their care. It should be a doddle to offer a course in appropriate years that would frighten the bejasus out of kids so they never start smoking.

    Many smokers simple don’t understand the statistical danger of smoking. That can be properly explained. Smoking dangers could be used in Maths to explain probability. How often do you hear, “my granny smoked and lived to be 90″?

    8 friends of mine are dead, all were smokers. The first died at 40, then 48, 51, and the rest in their 50′s. No non smoking friend of mine has died. (Every time I say this I know I’m tempting fate.) On my father’s side 2 of my uncles and grandfather died young, all were smokers, my father a non smoker lived to be 85.

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Karol Doran
    Favourite Karol Doran
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 9:25 AM

    I smoked for 14 years, and giving up was surprisingly easy. If you make it 3 days you’re laughing. Off the fags 5 years now.

    121
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Andrew Corcoran
    Favourite Andrew Corcoran
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 9:40 AM

    Smoked for nearly 20 years myself. Found it very difficult to give up. Tried giving up many times but always relapsed. Off them 3 years now. Best decision I ever made. Have never felt so healthy.

    118
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Michael Clinton
    Favourite Michael Clinton
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 10:20 AM

    I still admit to being a smoker but haven’t touched one in almost 17 years now. I feel great and it was the best thing I have done for myself ( & those around me) but it was hard to stop. I smoked because I loved them and was (still am) addicted to them. Hopefully I never touch one again.

    74
    See 5 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Karol Doran
    Favourite Karol Doran
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 12:38 PM

    Michael,

    You’re no longer addicted to them. If you were, you’d be smoking them.

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Michael Clinton
    Favourite Michael Clinton
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 1:29 PM

    I know well that if I even take 1 drag from a cigarette then I will be back on them so therefore I am addicted and always will be. I was off them for 7 years before and got blasé one evening with a few beers on me and took a pull and was right back on them twice as bad so it’s day by day and I have the benefit of hindsight.

    29
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Karol Doran
    Favourite Karol Doran
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 6:03 PM

    I’m sorry, but you’re not addicted to something you don’t do.

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Seán O'Fearain
    Favourite Seán O'Fearain
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 6:11 PM

    Sorry but you are incorrect, an alcoholic will always be a alcoholic even if they were never to touch another drink again. Smoking is no different.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Seán O'Fearain
    Favourite Seán O'Fearain
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 6:23 PM

    @Karol Doran: Sorry but you are incorrect, an alcoholic will always be a alcoholic, even if they were never to touch a drink again, smoking as an addiction is no different.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dj
    Favourite Dj
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 9:08 AM

    Lovely fags!!!. And the government think they can make Ireland smoke free by 2025. Proves how f♥♥king deluded they are.

    108
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute brian boru
    Favourite brian boru
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 9:17 AM

    @Dj: Deluded and punishing us by charging ridiculous amounts of Tax which forces those on lower incomes to buy either rolling tobacco or unregulated counterfeit cigarettes thus by putting up the tax they are actually creating a massive problem in the future where much higher rates of cancer will result from government tax policies.

    Typical FG complete lack of understanding of reality

    57
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute James Darcy
    Favourite James Darcy
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 9:26 AM

    Disagree Brian. Smoking going underground is fine as is less likely to attract new smokers. It’s not comparable to recreational drugs in that way. You have to smoke for a good period of time before you actually enjoy it.

    26
    See 20 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute brian boru
    Favourite brian boru
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 9:29 AM

    @James Darcy: Smoking is not going underground ask any publican why business is down.

    Read the article smoking has not dropped at all. We have just changed our culture from going to pubs to having gatherings at home where people can feel comfortable.

    Fourth generation smoker by the way

    44
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dj
    Favourite Dj
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 9:29 AM

    I smoke rollies. I can get a 50 gram of Amber Leaf for €15. I haven’t bought tobacco in a shop in about 2 years.

    42
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brendan Hughes
    Favourite Brendan Hughes
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 9:45 AM

    People smoke for nicotine and die from the tar. You can save more money by vaping than rolling your own. I quit smoking by accident in 3 days after buying a vape pen. A proper one from a propper shop. Not a cheap crap one from a garage. After 3 days the thing paid for it self. There is a huge community and movement toward vaping if you look for it and engage. Huge support among people within the community and it is the easiest and fun way to quit smoking.

    52
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute brian boru
    Favourite brian boru
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 9:53 AM

    @Dj: Results of Noonan’s constant hitting smokers is an increase in unregulated cigarettes creating a massive increase in cancer down the line.

    To be fair Noonan needs to be in hospital not in work at his age

    24
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute For Connolly
    Favourite For Connolly
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 9:54 AM

    @brian boru: “Deluded and punishing us by charging ridiculous amounts of Tax which forces those on lower incomes to buy either rolling tobacco or unregulated counterfeit cigarettes thus by putting up the tax they are actually creating a massive problem in the future where much higher rates of cancer will result from government tax policies.”

    Just playing devils advocate here, but can any smoker say that they’re genuinely being ‘forced’ to buy tobacco of any description?

    34
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dj
    Favourite Dj
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 9:57 AM

    I had one before but it was a disaster. I’d use it at night time in bed, wake up in the morning and spark up.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute brian boru
    Favourite brian boru
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 10:02 AM

    @For Connolly: I guess forced is a little bit strong as we do all have free choice but the results of policies from the minister of finance is pretty clear. Policies are creating a massive revenue stream for organised crime as well as pushing up levels of cancer in the future.

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute nousername
    Favourite nousername
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 10:15 AM

    @brian boru: You are not being forced to break the law – you have a choice – smoke or don’t smoke.

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute nousername
    Favourite nousername
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 10:17 AM

    @brian boru: Typical “it’s someone else’s fault” – if you smoke and get cancer as a result then that is your fault, not the governments. There’s a short term revenue stream that doesn’t cover the massive medical costs of cancer.

    Stop blaming everyone and take responsibility for your own life choices.

    32
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute brian boru
    Favourite brian boru
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 10:22 AM

    @nousername: I am not blaming anyone I am speaking in general terms about government policies and the direct effects upon the nation,

    Try to play the ball and not the man

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute nousername
    Favourite nousername
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 10:30 AM

    @brian boru:

    You are, you are pixxed with the Government for hiking the price and calling them deluded because this won’t stop YOU.

    You are then blaming this policy on the rise in Cancer.

    You should look at the direct effect that YOUR smoking does to the nation – not the policies being introduced to STOP people from smoking.

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute nousername
    Favourite nousername
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 10:33 AM

    @brian boru: And here you say again:

    “Results of Noonan’s constant hitting smokers is an increase in unregulated cigarettes creating a massive increase in cancer down the line.”

    The result of YOUR smoking forces YOU to buy unregulated cigarettes, creating a massive increase in cancer down the line.

    You are addicted to nicotine – like a heroin addict – your perception and logic is distorted.

    It’s a hard one to kick, but you should and then look back on what you are saying.

    I know – because I was you.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute brian boru
    Favourite brian boru
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 11:07 AM

    @nousername: Preach away about how great it is not to smoke, Genuinely I am delighted for you that it has gone so well.

    But the point I am making is still valid that FG policies of increasing tax on tobacco has had the effect of increasing levels of future sufferers of cancer and increased revenue for criminals.

    Genuinely delighted for you and thanks so much for the update on your life

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Caroline O'Duffy
    Favourite Caroline O'Duffy
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 11:31 AM

    @brian boru: if they really wanted Ireland smoke free all they have to do is ban nicotine from cigarettes people would be quitting naturally as they no longer get the hit from nicotine. But the government doesn’t want you to quit as the tax take from fags would be irreplaceable. I’m on day 6 of my 100th quit, I love them and hate them all at the same time. I don’t want to smoke but love to smoke, it is quite possibly the best mind f#$k ever created!!

    22
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sloop John G
    Favourite Sloop John G
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 11:38 AM

    What’s with this “forces” Brian? Smoking is a choice, nobody’s forcing people to do it.

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tim Nelligan
    Favourite Tim Nelligan
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 11:39 AM

    @Brendan Agreed 100%.

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute nousername
    Favourite nousername
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 1:24 PM

    @brian boru: Thank you, but your point is not valid because no amount of revenue can cover the loss of health and the loss of life that smoking causes.

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Odie Behan
    Favourite Odie Behan
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 4:10 PM

    @brian boru: Good point, for all it’s worth the facts are that On the street cheap cigarettes have been shown to contain Rat poison and worse. Duty Free cigarettes are cheaper only because they are made from the scrapings, i.e. when the cigarettes are rolled the sweepings from the floor and the scrapings from the table around the rolling areas are mixed with seperate batches and used to make duty free cigarette batches, Don’t believe it ? Roll one through your fingers about halfway down, see how loose they become, also happens when you are smoking them. Compare that to a legitimate full price cigarette. I was a heavy smoker for 43 years, only complaints about brief period on Roll ups was a heavier cough and just didn’t like them. Hit 60 ordinary cigarettes a day, now 5 years on e-cigs. Less dangerous to health and a lot more economical, better than smoking. That said, we are the guinea pigs as nobody really knows what effect the ecigs will have in the long run. I have no doubt I’m better off health and money wise after 5 years on ecigs. Might not work for someone else but I sure don’t miss having to change jumpers or jackets three times a day with the horrible whiff that smokers ignore but others around nearly puke over. Nicotine is the addictive substance but apparently not as dangerous, to me yet anyway, as real cigarettes. Best option, don’t start smoking or vaping but if you must, don’t choose cigarettes. :)

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Odie Behan
    Favourite Odie Behan
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 4:15 PM

    @Sloop John G: Aw come on Sloop, it’s an addiction, try telling someone with the runs not to shoot from below the hips, willpower won’t do it, therefore it’s no longer a choice. Quitting is a choice but willpower alone doesn’t make that choice, give the guy a break. :)

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sloop John G
    Favourite Sloop John G
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 5:48 PM

    @Odie Behan, it’s a choice to take up smoking in the first place. If you become addicted it’s your own fault so I don’t have any sympathy for people who smoke. It’s as simple as that. There have been anti-smoking campaigns going for years which have become more intense and hard hitting over the years. It even advises you of the dangers on the pack for Christ sake. What other product does that? The argument of peer pressure and it making you look cool are no longer valid. Smoking has become extremely antisocial over the years so there’s no excuse to ever start smoking.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute outsidr.ie
    Favourite outsidr.ie
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 9:09 AM

    Disgusting habit. Nothing worse then a smoker sitting beside you on a Train/Bus reeking of smoke.

    94
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Karol Doran
    Favourite Karol Doran
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 9:25 AM

    Someone reeking of BO is far worse in my opinion.

    100
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joe
    Favourite Joe
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 9:29 AM

    @Karol Doran:

    Or a sanctimonious prig!

    54
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ian O Connell
    Favourite Ian O Connell
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 11:23 AM

    H a ng yourself then if you don’t like being around other people in society, simple.

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Niallers
    Favourite Niallers
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 9:29 AM

    Smoking leads to see slow horrible depressing death. Gasping for air, COPD, Lungs filling with fluid (Pulmonary Odema) . That’s if lung cancer doesn’t get you first. Tobacco should be classified in the same category as heroin and make it illegal so sell. No Smoking addict if they’re honest would continue smoking if they had a choice. The addictive nature of the substance removes the choice for all apart from the strongest willed. Unfortunately for many, This will/ realisation comes too late for them and their family.

    36
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Curragh Bill
    Favourite Curragh Bill
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 11:49 AM

    @Niallers: Many smokers live to a ripe old age and die of natural causes, and many non smokers die young from these so called smoking related diseases as if heart disease and all froms of cancer are the sole domain of the smoker?.

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute nousername
    Favourite nousername
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 1:26 PM

    @Curragh Bill: Ah yes the old “my granny smoked 60 woodbine a day and died when she was 123″…
    Gedduptheyard.

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ian Flynn
    Favourite Ian Flynn
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 10:40 AM

    Jasus, I could do with a smoke after reading them statics. ….

    30
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sloop John G
    Favourite Sloop John G
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 5:50 PM

    Them statics Ian ?

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sean Fallon
    Favourite Sean Fallon
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 9:30 AM

    Anyone any idea what % of people smoked back in teh day …like say in the 1950s or 1960s ?

    28
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brent Weaver
    Favourite Brent Weaver
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 9:39 AM

    The also leave out the effect of immigration on the numbers. I definitely see the number of Irish people smoking down on years ago.

    1 million of our population are foreign nationals, with high numbers from Eastern and Central Europe, along with Turks (alleged Kurks) etc…who smoke heavily. The tabacco is often smuggled in, and it’s utterly vile to smell, never mind smoke.

    28
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute stopit
    Favourite stopit
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 10:21 AM

    @Brent Weaver: where did you get that 1 million figure from?

    The CSO stats for 2016 have 593.900 people in Ireland as non-national (12.7% of total population)

    31
    See 8 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Michael Clinton
    Favourite Michael Clinton
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 10:21 AM

    That was pre decimal so I would imagine 1/38th of the population ;)

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute TehJurolan
    Favourite TehJurolan
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 10:54 AM

    @Sean Fallon: 100%, even babies, they’d be a christening gift.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brent Weaver
    Favourite Brent Weaver
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 11:13 AM

    @stopit: Apologise. I was thinking “1 in 5″ of the population, were non-nationals. I was wrong.

    Must have been remembering articles such as these:

    http://www.thejournal.ie/one-in-five-unemployed-2011-non-nationals-534685-Jul2012/

    http://www.rte.ie/archives/exhibitions/1665-immigration/370204-one-in-five-births-were-non-nationals/

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ian O Connell
    Favourite Ian O Connell
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 11:14 AM

    Stopit: ide imagine that figure is a load of b o llox.

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brent Weaver
    Favourite Brent Weaver
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 12:42 PM

    @stopit: Actually stopit. Here’s FinFacts “reaching 20% of the total population” = 1 in 5…No?

    “The share of foreign-born persons living in Ireland is also very high, reaching 20% of the total population, following a sharp increase over the years 2001 to 2011. Foreign workers typically originate from other EU member states, as they benefit from free labour movement, as well as from other English-speaking countries.”

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brent Weaver
    Favourite Brent Weaver
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 12:42 PM
    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute stopit
    Favourite stopit
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 1:41 PM

    @Brent Weaver: thanks Brent.I think those articles are a bit deceptive though. I got my figure from CSO. cheers.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brent Weaver
    Favourite Brent Weaver
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 3:41 PM

    @stopit: Fair enough. I saw the figure in my head and knew I’d seen it in several places before (right or wrong).

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute robert lester
    Favourite robert lester
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 10:18 AM

    Illegal cigarette sales 100% up on last year.

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute James Stratford
    Favourite James Stratford
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 1:36 PM

    The introduction of electronic cigarettes to the market is probably having more of an effect on smoking habits than years of continuous attempted societal engineering through the tax system.

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Monks
    Favourite Paul Monks
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 10:25 AM

    I’ve been an on and off smoker since I was 16.
    Stopped for eight months, went back on them, stopped for a few weeks, discovered the Vape.
    Nicotine is an addiction, however Nicotine is a powerful anti-depressant.
    I bet may people did not know that,

    Here’s and excellent slip about addiction, isolation and social stigma.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ao8L-0nSYzg

    There are worst things in the world than smokers,

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute nousername
    Favourite nousername
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 10:34 AM

    @Paul Monks: We shouldn’t set the bar so low – comparing addictions to see which one is worse.

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Monks
    Favourite Paul Monks
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 10:46 AM

    @nousername:
    The war on drugs is over (bar in the Philippines), the question has to be asked why there are so many addicts? It’s usually the bright, smart people who find themselves woefully addicted to drugs. The sensitive souls, so to say.

    4
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute nousername
    Favourite nousername
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 10:51 AM

    @Paul Monks: “It’s usually the bright, smart people who find themselves woefully addicted to drugs”

    Heroin doesn’t discriminate.

    The war isn’t over – it is lost.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Monks
    Favourite Paul Monks
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 11:33 AM

    @nousername:
    Exactly. It’s over.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Juan Venegas
    Favourite Juan Venegas
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 10:08 AM

    I’m a fierce defender of Universal Healthcare, but if you are a smoker and you got cancer, you should pay for chemo yourself, no state help whatsoever to people who refuses to listen to their doctor, time after time. If you want to smoke, then you should be solely responsible for your actions, the same for extremely fat people. Universal healthcare should be there to provide a piece of mind to people who are unfortunately to fall sick. Red thumbs all around, but think of this, so many people waiting for beds in hospital, lack of staff, and your tax money have to pay for expensive treatments for these people while a elder is waiting for a hip replacement due to lack of funding, its wrong.

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brendan p
    Favourite Brendan p
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 11:06 AM

    Fierce defender of something we don’t have!.Addicts fat people and sanctimonious pompous gits should all pay their own hospital bills.

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ian O Connell
    Favourite Ian O Connell
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 11:27 AM

    Juan Venegas: that’s a lovely irish name ye have there.

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tom Burke
    Favourite Tom Burke
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 10:14 AM

    If tobacco was brought to the market today it would never be legalised.
    It would never be approved.

    We need to get through to our young people about the dangers of smoking.

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eugene Walsh
    Favourite Eugene Walsh
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 9:07 AM

    I I I dunno where to begin. So I’m drunk , I’m sober I’m drunk a kinda smoker, I’m drunk I’m sober I’m dead?! 25.578% of the time?

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brian O'Donnell
    Favourite Brian O'Donnell
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 9:12 AM

    Vaping ftw.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute The Throwaway
    Favourite The Throwaway
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 10:06 AM

    If people want to smoke that’s grand, but the loaded taxes already on top of cigarettes should be ring fenced to pay for any medical treatment. And if the costs of the treatment goes beyond the financial pot then people should be left to pay for it themselves. After all it is well established, with decades of peer reviewed research that smoking it nothing but bad for you. If you still chose to do it, then I don’t see why my tax payer money should go to pay someone else short sightedness and stupidity when it could go to pay for someone else’s much needed medicine and treatment.

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tom Burke
    Favourite Tom Burke
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 10:12 AM

    The throwaway
    I concur with your sentiment but where do we stop? Do we charge obese people more or people who drink too much?
    How about people who pursue dangerous activities and get injured?

    Very difficult to implement.

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute The Throwaway
    Favourite The Throwaway
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 12:38 PM

    For me the line is the difference between intent and chance. A dangerous activity like an adventure holiday certainly has a risk element and a degree of chance. But with proper planning and safety measures there is not a certainty of injury/death. Whereas with smoking there is a certainty backed by substantial research that shows each cigarette causes harm. Each person may have differing levels of harm, some may die from smoking related cancer, others may life a life without cancer, but would still certainly show the physical signs of harm caused by smoking.
    So that would be my yard stick by which to measure. I’m not going to say don’t smoke (or drink, or eat sugary foods etc), but I am going to say that the risks are well published and well known. Therefore the individual that choses to do it should bear the responsibility and cost.

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Neil Mcdonough
    Favourite Neil Mcdonough
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 11:54 AM

    The youth hostel in Nantes is an old tobacco factory. According to the plaque on the wall, it was built along the lines of a fortress, as they anticipated the possibility of the masses rioting and trying to gain entry. Right from the start, they knew what they were doing, which was of course to make a fortune from addiction. But it’s legal . . .

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Nucky
    Favourite Nucky
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 9:31 AM

    I would actually like to know the average age of this 23% that still smoke . I’d imagine it’s many people in the later stages of life. Smoking is not cool with the younger generation now

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Congress Tart
    Favourite Congress Tart
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 9:30 AM

    Stupid posers.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Daniel O'Neill
    Favourite Daniel O'Neill
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 9:31 PM

    Wonder how much the government is pulling in with the price of cigarettes through the roof and set to go up again. Wouldn’t be surprised if we need smokers as a baseline to our budget. Clearly hiking the price up does not make enough people quit instead it’s just a sly way to leverage addicts.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Edmond OFlaherty
    Favourite Edmond OFlaherty
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 9:35 PM

    It would be nice if they all gave up smoking but for some it is very difficult. The brain chemistry (biochemistry) controls a lot . In women particularly some have high copper in the blood. That produces adrenaline and makes them anxious.Sometimes they even get panic attacks. If they do not smoke the adrenaline is more active. It is possible to get the copper down over a few months with the right nutrients and then many women give up smoking spontaneously. High copper level is the main cause of post-natal depression. Musical and artistic people tend to have high copper too.Some who do not smoke control the anxiety by drinking and overall copper is a big problem in Ireland.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute garb yakob
    Favourite garb yakob
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 1:27 PM

    Ahh lovely fags

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Nasir Saeed
    Favourite Nasir Saeed
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 10:39 AM

    ive used the vapour i had kanger one there so messy the oil goes everywhere

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute talkingsense
    Favourite talkingsense
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 3:57 PM

    Try using eliquid instead of oil, I believe it tastes better ;)

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Keith Rossiter
    Favourite Keith Rossiter
    Report
    Oct 20th 2016, 6:38 PM

    Vapping looks like some one is sucking off R2D2

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds