Cowen launches no-smoking drive

Ireland and other EU states will focus on the cessation of teenage smoking next week

Ireland and other EU states will focus on the cessation of teenage smoking next week. The Irish Cancer Society reports that a third of boys and girls aged 15-17 years are smokers. The Minister for Health, Mr Cowen, launched Ireland's version of Europe Against Cancer Week 1999 yesterday by promoting its chief message, "Live Life Without Smoking."

The campaign against teenage smoking in Ireland is being co-ordinated by the cancer society as well as the Health Promotion Unit of the Department of Health and Children, the European Commission Representation in Ireland and the health boards.