THE SMOKERS’ GROUP Forest Eireann has criticised the picture health warnings that will be mandatory on all tobacco products sold in Ireland from the start of February.

Spokesman John Mallon said today that the group supported measures that educate people about the health risks related to smoking but these images are “designed not to educate but to shock and coerce consumers to give up a legal product”.

“Smokers know the risks,” he said. “The pictures are unnecessarily intrusive, gratuitously offensive, and yet another example of smokers being singled out for special attention.”

“Picture warnings may have some initial impact but consumers quickly become immune to them. Far from giving up, most smokers will ignore them and reach for their fags in defiance.”

“What next, graphic health warnings on alcohol, fatty foods and cars?” he added.

Research in other countries has shown that health warnings, combined with coloured photographs, may discourage people from smoking and make them aware of the health risks involved.

Read: MEP criticises two government departments over tobacco industry meetings>

Poll: Do you think strict rules on cigarette packaging will make any difference?

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More