Irish shops are to be banned from displaying cigarettes and other tobacco products under a further government move to clampdown on smoking, the health ministry said recently.

A ban on all in-store advertising of cigarettes will also be introduced.
Tighter controls on the location and operation of cigarette vending machines are planned as part of the introduction of laws that have been already passed by parliament but have so far not been implemented.
In a statement, the ministry said the introduction of the new measures "will have practical implications" for retailers, distributors and manufacturers.
Earlier this year, Ireland banned the sale of packs of 10 cigarettes and sweets that resemble tobacco products as part of efforts to discourage children from starting smoking. (pi)