Introduction

Drug policy, practice and resource allocation have been driven largely by Ireland’s national drug strategies since 1996. The Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy journal has published a paper that examines how the needs of Irish women who use alcohol and other drugs have been addressed in these strategies and a selection of other key policy documents since 1996.1,2,3,4,5,6,7 From denial to pregnancy and motherhood to ‘gender informed’? Women and Ireland’s alcohol and drug strategies, 1996-2025 was published prior to the release of Ireland’s draft National Drugs Strategy (2026–2029).8 The paper’s authors, Windle and Cronin, found that Irish alcohol and drug policy did not initially recognise women’s drug use. When it was recognised, it focused almost exclusively on pregnancy and motherhood. Only since 2017 has it promoted gender-informed approaches.

Lobbying can be an important element of democratic governance but in the case of tobacco control or other substances harmful to health, it can undermine public health interests. A new paper published in the journal Tobacco Control explores the extent, nature and targets of registered lobbying activities related to smoking and vaping in Ireland from 2016 to 2024.1 

Context

Preventing the harms caused by tobacco use is complicated by its link with commercial interests. Hanrahan and Kavanagh, the authors of the paper, argue that ‘the commercial determinants of health, defined as the conditions, actions and omissions by commercial actors that affect health, are exemplified by the tobacco industry, which employs sophisticated strategies to shape policy, undermine regulation and delay or dilute effective tobacco control measures.’

Tobacco control legislation is a critical element in reducing the harms of smoking. However, it will only be effective if enforced. The Examining tobacco-control enforcement in Ireland 2014-2023: an observational study analysed data on the enforcement of the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2002 as amended between 2014 and 2023.1 It explored the extent to which the laws have been followed, and what happens to those who break them. 

Context

Despite tobacco control legislation, and various smoking prevention activities, Houghton and Lombard argue that smoking continues to impact negatively on health and well-being in Ireland. Data published in 2022 found that among those who were aged 15 years and over, 20% of males and 17% of females were current smokers.