The Irish Cancer Society has described the workplace smoking ban, introduced 10 years ago today, as a 'tipping point' in the battle against tobacco.

The Society points out that the smoking prevalence rate in March 2004 was 28.86% and the latest published statistics from December 2012 shows it has fallen to 21.71%. This marks a drop of 24.77% in the number of Irish people smoking in ten years.

The ban, which has been followed by the removal of cigarettes from display in shops and newsagents and in pubs. Taken together, these measures are having a very positive effect on the health of the nation, according to the Cancer Society.

Kathleen O'Meara, Head of Advocacy & Communications with the Cancer Society, said Ireland 'took a courageous and bold step in introducing a smoking ban that was the first of its kind'. "

The success of the ban has now led to other countries around the world following this lead. Countries from Bermuda to Brazil, Latvia to Lebanon have recognised it as an important measure to protect public health."

"The smoking ban has also been important in changing public opinion around smoking. It is now effectively denormalised and this is particularly important in reducing the numbers of young people who are starting to smoke - from 18.6% in 2002 to 11.9% in 2010," Ms O'Meara said.

The Cancer Society says it is now advocating for the introduction of plain packaging of tobacco in Ireland which will reduce the appeal of cigarettes to young people. A recent Ipsos MRBI poll commissioned by the Society found that 64% of people are in favour of such a measure.

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