Anti-smoking campaigners yesterday welcomed yesterday's Supreme Court decision, but warned of the significant financial and personal costs for people taking such cases on an individual basis.
Prof Luke Clancy, chairman of Ash Ireland, could not say what implications, if any, the ruling would have for others taking similar cases.
However, he called on the Government and the statutory authorities to support class-action suits against tobacco companies, as was the case in other countries.
"I'm glad the ruling of the High Court was upheld, and welcome the fact the woman's right to take an action against the industry is at least upheld," he said. "But I worry for the individuals who go down this path. It can be extremely expensive, but stressful as well."
"The prevalence of smoking is falling, and I'm welcoming that . . . But I think there should be class actions."
A spokesman for the Department of Health said he had no comment to make.