ASH Ireland’s response to a judgment by a court in the United States ordering RJ Reynolds cigarette company to pay $23.6bn to the wife of a smoker who died of lung cancer

“This court action and finding in the United States again finds the tobacco industry guilty of manufacturing and selling a product, which knowingly harms and kills people. Over 5,200 people die in Ireland each year form the harmful effects of smoking and €1 billion is spent annually treating tobacco related disease. It is well established that 1 in 2 people who smoke will die because of this. Any action which makes the Tobacco Industry responsible for the product it manufactures and markets so widely, is to be welcomed”.

ENDS

For contact: ASH Ireland:  0818-305055

Wally Young, Young Communications:  087-2471520