A recent new survey that has been carried out by the Irish Cancer Society has revealed that less than one in five Irish people currently smoke which marks a significant decline in the habit over recent decades. The survey indicated a national smoking prevalence of just under 20% of men and women over the age of 15. The results are promising but the Irish Cancer Society has said that the fight to get people to give up for good remains a tough one.

The drop in numbers of people smoking is a good sign. When the smoking ban was introduced ten years ago around 24% of people smoked and it was at around 31% of the population in the late 90s. The Irish Cancer Society released the findings to mark the start of ‘Quit Week’ has stated that the aim to make Ireland “tobacco free” by 2025 when rates should be as low as 5%.

A spokesperson for the society has said “The main incentive for smokers planning to give up was concern for their future health. Expense was the second most-cited reason among smokers planning to give up, with 31% saying the price of cigarettes was a factor in their decision to give up, showing the effectiveness of high price in encouraging smokers to quit.”