DUBLIN – Yesterday, Irish Health Minister James Reilly revealed his radical vision for Ireland: to be tobacco-free by 2025, the Irish Independent reports. The policy’s more than 60 recommendations would “de-normalize” smoking in society. Such a country would see smoking lowered to 5% of the population.

“To make Ireland tobacco free in 12 years is an extraordinary challenge, but if we work together to de-normalize smoking for young people we can do it,” he said. “And do it we must because for every two young people who become addicted to tobacco one of them will die as a consequence. Let’s not forget that approximately 5,200 Irish people die each year from diseases caused by smoking. These are all preventable, avoidable deaths. Protecting children from the harms of tobacco is the key aim of Tobacco Free Ireland.”

He said the work of ASH Ireland to reduce smoking around playgrounds as a good start, with 75% of County Councils and 60% of City Councils on board with the idea. “Dublin City Council is currently working with the HSE in permitting HSE buildings to be utilized to erect large scale QUIT campaign banners,” said Reilly.

“I am delighted to hear that both UCD and Trinity are considering plans to make their campuses smoke free and I would encourage other third level colleges to follow their lead. By working together we can achieve our aim of being tobacco free by 2025,” he said.

Ireland already has moved ahead to implement plain packaging for cigarettes. Meanwhile, tobacco smuggling within the country is on the rise, with the country ranking third among European Union nations in illegal tobacco products.