The Office of Tobacco Control (OTC) has said it is concerned by an increase in young people smoking despite the overall drop in the numbers of people smoking since the introduction of the workplace ban.
In its annual report, published this morning, the OTC said new research shows numbers smoking in Ireland had declined to 23.6 per cent of the population last August 2005 (less than one-in-four of the population) from 31 per cent in 1998.
OTC chairman Dr Michael Boland said the introduction of the smoke-free workplace legislation "has already brought health benefits to the public as early research indicators are highlighting".
However, when discussing smoking by young people, Dr Boland cautioned: "There is no room for complacency. Smoking among young people is a serious concern. Almost 20 per cent of 15-18 year olds smoke despite the fact that it is illegal for them to purchase cigarettes.
"We found that 92 per cent of teenagers weren't asked for ID when purchasing cigarettes," said Dr Boland.
He urged the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney, to seek an increase in the excise on cigarettes in the next budget as "teenagers are price sensitive".
Ms Harney said her office was looking at trying to ban the packs of 10 cigarettes most commonly favoured by young smokers, as they are cheaper. She said she was seeking legal advice on the matter.
The report also notes that an evaluation of the hospitality sector data shows there has been no adverse economic effect from the introduction of the smoking ban.
Bar retail sales have increased during the last three-month period following a four-year decline, and the numbers employed in the sector in the first quarter of this year have increased to 23,200 - up 1,400 from the previous quarter.