Irish Cabinet decides to implement plain packaging for tobacco products

On 10 June 2014, the Cabinet in Ireland gave approval for the plain packaging of tobacco products. The respective bill will be published on 12 June, with its introduction to Parliament in the coming weeks. This decision is part of the "Tobacco Free Ireland by 2025" strategic plan and a major step forward in its implementation.

Tobacco packaging remains one of the last remaining powerful advertising tools. Plain packaging is a very effective tool to reduce the attractiveness of tobacco and is recommended in the "Guidelines of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control" (WHO FCTC), and can be particularly effective in keeping young people from starting to smoke. Smoking kills 5,200 Irish people every year.