One in every two smokers will die of a tobacco related illness, according to figures compiled by the Health Service Executive.
Speaking on RTÉ's This Week, HSE Public Health Director Dr Fenton Howell said 5,500 smokers die each year.
As part of its campaign to encourage people to stop smoking, a number of television advertisements featuring personal testimonials will be broadcast from today.
Dr Howell said 25- to 34-year-olds are being particularly targeted, but it is hoped people of all ages will quit smoking.
