792. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if she will consider advocating for changes at EU level in the revision of the tobacco tax Directive such that the law will facilitate, rather than prevent, generational bans, as some countries are considering such generational bans; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25230/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Minister for Health: The EU Tobacco Tax Directive is a matter for the Minister for Finance.

The EU Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) is due for revision, and I, along with eleven other EU health ministers, recently called for the EU Commission to publish a comprehensive proposal as soon as possible. My officials have been engaging with the Commission's revision process for a number of years, which has included evidence review and consultation.

The Tobacco Free Ireland policy is currently being renewed to determine the necessary steps to achieve our aim of a tobacco free society. It is important that any revised TPD can adequately support the ambition of Member States, and help achieve the EU-wide goal of achieving a smoke free generation by 2040. I look forward to engaging with my EU colleagues once the proposals have been published.

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Dáil Éireann debate. Question 882 – Tobacco Control Measures [25937/25]

882. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the estimated annual cost of smoking to the State in terms of health spending; if her Department will be conducting an updated 2025 report assessing the economic cost of smoking, following on from the 2016 ICF international report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25937/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Minister for Health: The most recent study conducted on behalf of my Department on the economic cost of smoking in Ireland, "A detailed assessment of the economic cost of smoking in Ireland" was carried out in 2016 by ICF International (UK) in association with DKM Economic Consultants (Ireland).

The study estimated public healthcare costs from smoking to be €506 million per year. This included hospital inpatient admissions, day cases, outpatient appointments, emergency department attendances, primary care and hospital transportation costs. It also included €40 million in State spending on formal domiciliary care.

The study estimated the total cost of smoking to be €10.6 billion per year, which included lost productivity, loss of welfare, fire and litter-related costs. There are no plans to conduct a study in 2025 at this time.