Dáil Éireann - Volume 481 - 08 October, 1997

Written Answers. - Tobacco-Related Illness.

Mr. Shatter Mr. Shatter

115. Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children the expenditure incurred by the State in treating tobacco-related illnesses in each of the past ten years. [15935/97]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen) Brian Cowen

465

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen): There are a number of diseases such as lung cancer, emphysema and heart disease associated with tobacco consumption. However, tobacco consumption is not always the causative factor in [465] every case. Therefore, data in relation to expenditure incurred specifically in treating tobacco related disease and illnesses each year cannot be computed accurately.

Mr. Shatter Mr. Shatter

116. Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons who have died in each of the past ten years from tobacco-related illnesses. [15936/97]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen) Brian Cowen

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen): It is estimated that 20 per cent of all deaths each year over the past ten years were attributable to tobacco-related illnesses such as lung cancer, emphysema and heart disease. Based on this figure the estimated number of tobacco-related deaths each year for the period 1987 to 1996 is as follows:

It should be noted, however, that tobacco consumption is not always the causative factor in every case.

Dáil Éireann 481 Written Answers. Tobacco-Related Illness.

Questions

19971008