The European Union's Health Commissioner, Mr David Byrne, has received a global leadership award from the World Heath Organisation (WHO) for his work in combating smoking. Denis Staunton, European Correspondent, reports.
The WHO's director general, Dr Gro Harlem Brundtland, praised Mr Byrne's determination in confronting the tobacco industry when he presented him with the prestigious award in Geneva.
"WHO is very pleased to honour Commissioner Byrne today for his courage and relentless tobacco control work. We salute him for his tremendous contribution towards European and global tobacco control. Mr Byrne has played a leading role in supporting the establishment of an effective and comprehensive WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control," she said.
The convention, which Mr Byrne signed this week on behalf of the EU, is the first international, legal instrument against smoking.
It will promote tobacco advertising bans, larger health warning labels on tobacco products, measures to protect against second-hand smoke, tobacco tax, price increases and efforts to eliminate illicit trade.
Mr Byrne has been a driving force behind tough new EU laws against cigarette advertising and campaigns to discourage young people from smoking.