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Irish Minister Míchael Martin has won the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) Award for Excellence in Global Cancer Control at the 4th World Conference for Cancer Organizations, which is taking place in Dublin from 17-19 November
Dublin, 16 November 2004 - Irish Minister Míchael Martin has won the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) Award for Excellence in Global Cancer Control at the 4th World Conference for Cancer Organizations, which is taking place in Dublin from 17-19 November.
Minister Martin won the award in the category of Outstanding Government Official for the ground-breaking anti-smoking legislation he developed during his tenure as Minister of Health. The legislation, which came into effect in March, 2004, resulted in a comprehensive workplace smoking ban covering all places of work, including pubs, restaurants, bars and other entertainment venues.
The UICC's Outstanding Government Official award is presented to a government official who initiates or actively promotes national cancer control initiatives that raise the health standard of a country's citizens. It was conferred on Minister Martin by UICC Executive Director Isabel Mortara in Dublin just prior to the opening of pre-conference preparatory sessions on Sunday, 14 November.
Presenting the award, Mrs Mortara praised Minister Martin's visionary leadership and determination in implementing the ban. "Not only have you helped assure a healthier future for your own people, you have unleashed an international fervour to achieve similar milestones in other countries in Europe and around the world," she said.
In Scotland, for example, legislation is now being drafted to enact a ban on smoking in enclosed public places. The ban is expected to cover pubs, restaurants and private clubs, as well as offices and other workplaces. Announced on 10 November, 2004, by First Minister Jack McConnell, it is due to be presented to the Scottish Parliament before Christmas, with a target date for full implementation of spring 2006.
To support the new bill, the Scottish Parliament has pledged to more than double the ₤3 million per year currently spent by the health service on smoking cessation services to meet expected additional demand resulting from the new legislation. The Parliament is also developing an international marketing campaign to promote Scotland as a smoke-free tourist destination and a smoke-free environment in which businesses can enjoy improved employee health and productivity.
To obtain a photo of the presentation of the award, or for more information, please contact Jane Curtin, Communications Manager, Irish Cancer Society, tel +353 1 2310 517, e-mail
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or Janice Blondeau, Communications Manager, UICC Geneva, Switzerland, tel +41 79 373 2068, e-mail
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About the International Union Against Cancer (UICC)
UICC (Union Internationale Contre le Cancer) is the only international non-governmental organization dedicated exclusively to the global control of cancer. As the largest independent non-profit organization of 280 cancer-fighting organizations in over 80 countries, UICC is a resource for action and voice for change.
About the 4th World Conference for Cancer Organizations
The 4th World Conference for Cancer Organizations, hosted by the Irish Cancer Society (ICS) and the International Union Against Cancer (UICC), is taking place at the Burlington Hotel, Dublin, Ireland, from 17-19 November 2004.
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Jane Curtin
Communications Manager
Irish Cancer Society
Tel.: 01 2310 517 (w)
087 938 0779 (m)
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