People who have suffered serious illnesses as a result of smoking have urged the Government to introduce plain packing for tobacco products as quickly as possible.

A group of people who have endured smoking-related heart attacks, lung cancer and other lung diseases say the new law is vital to protect the next generation of children and young people from the pain, suffering and premature death caused by smoking.

The group was organised by a coalition of health and children's charities, including the ISPCC, Barnardos, the Irish Asthma Society, the Irish Thoracic Society, the Irish Cancer Society and the Irish Heart Foundation.

They have come together to support Government efforts to protect children's health by removing all branding and inserting large graphic warnings on cigarette packs and other tobacco products.

The Oireachtas Health Committee started public hearings on the (Standardised Packaging of Tobacco) Bill this week.

Co Meath Mother of two, Charlotte Heaphey, who suffered a heart attack four years ago at the age of just 47, said the State had a duty to protect children who were 'too young to know better' from the marketing tactics of the tobacco industry through the adoption of plain packaging.

"I was just 11 when I started smoking," said Charlotte.

"I wasn't even finished primary school. Never did I think I would have a heart attack and certainly not at 47 years old. Not one day goes by now that I don't think about how close I came to leaving my children without a mother. And all because of cigarettes. As a mother, I am speaking today for the protection of my own children and to support the introduction of plain packaging. I am here to warn the parents of all 11-year-olds and teens around Ireland that there is nothing good about smoking."

Frank Cox, from Dublin, was 66 when he was diagnosed with lung cancer. He only survived after surgery to remove part of his lung followed by lengthy chemotherapy treatment, and he says he was as 'one of the lucky ones'.

"As a lung cancer survivor, I think we owe plain packaging to those lives lost to tobacco in this country. They may have lost their battle but we can fight this battle for their children and grandchildren," he said.

By introducing the legislation, the State could particularly help protect the next generation - those who have yet to take their first drag of a cigarette, Frank said.

"I started smoking at a young age. I see young kids today still smoking, despite all we now know about cigarettes. I want the next generation to know that smoking really does kill and to realise that it is not normal for a product to be on the market which kills people."

Fifty-year-old Paula Newman from Dublin has seen a dramatic decline in her quality of life since being diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) five years ago and told smoking was a major factor.

She had to give up her job as a chef because she can no longer work in kitchens; she can't dance, or go to concerts; she can't go to many department stores because of fumes from perfume and cosmetic stands; and she loves comedy but can't watch her favourite programmes without a nebuliser because of coughing fits.

Paula said: "Smoking has ruined my life. It's taken away my job and I have no social life. Even going out in my local area, I've had to be brought home by police or total strangers as I'm sometimes unable to walk and look ready to collapse. I started smoking when I was 16. I thought I was invincible and didn't heed the warnings on cigarettes. I don't want anyone else to have to suffer like I'm suffering. That's why I support this new law."