Ireland will be the first European country to use graphic images on cigarette packets showing the harm smoking can do.
The images to be used in the campaign were presented to the European Union Health Commissioner David Byrne who hopes that other EU states will follow Ireland's example and take firm measures against tobacco consumption.
The new look coming soon to Irish cigarette packets.
The graphic images are accompanied by warnings including
Smoking may reduce the blood flow and causes impotence.
Smoking can cause a slow and painful death.
The image bank has been approved by the European Commission but so far only Ireland and Belgium have plans to introduce the pictures on packaging.
David Byrne says that the images reinforce the message that there is a connection between smoking, disease and death. These graphic photographs will help to tell the truth about the harm of smoking.
The new packaging coincides with a €72 million anti-smoking advertising campaign aimed at promoting the image of non-smoking among young people.
David Byrne steps down as commissioner next week but leaves a lasting legacy of strong tobacco control. His term in office has seen the introduction of laws restricting the advertising of tobacco and forcing cigarette companies to disclose the thousands of additional chemicals they add to products.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 22 October 2004. The reporter is Sean Whelan.
