Irish journal of medical science
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Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death in Ireland; half of all long-term smokers die prematurely from smoking-related diseases. Achieving 'Tobacco Free Ireland' (a smoking prevalence of less than 5%) will require the prevention of smoking initiation and the promotion of smoking cessation. ⋯ This study highlights the need to strengthen smoking cessation in Ireland to increase the number of smokers that successfully quit and achieve a Tobacco Free Ireland. The development and implementation of National Clinical Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Tobacco Addiction will play a key role in this.