It has been 12 years since the State introduced the smoking ban, a bold step that not only proved successful but one that set the tone for public health policy elsewhere.
The UK, by proposing to introduce a tax on sugar-sweetened drinks, has set a good example for us of government taking legislative responsibility for an epidemic that needs to be taken seriously.
Arguments
The wider medical community has been asking for a similar policy here for five years through budget submissions. It is now a fixture of the four main political party manifestos.
There are a number of arguments set by those who oppose the move that must be addressed.
Firstly, and simply, that a sugar tax won’t solve the obesity problem. We all agree with that. It will only work as part of a major multicomponent push.
There was the argument that it would lead to an increase in cross-border trade but if we time it with the UK initiative this argument disappears.
Some said that it would prove financially regressive, targeting those on lower incomes. But as a health professional I believe this is progressive because this group represents the highest proportion of sugar consumers and it would deliver a positive effect on health.
In the UK, chancellor George Osborne has committed to investing millions in school-based physical activity and lifestyle programmes.
Here, Minister for Finance Michael Noonan has said that strategy is not an option, but it clearly is. About 30 years ago Ireland's cardiovascular strategy was funded by the heightened taxation of tobacco products and we have come a long way since then.
Industry’s reaction to the UK’s announcement has been one of disappointment.
This is understandable as it has been making strides in other ways , notably in the reformulation of products, to address the issue.
It is important not to present the sugar tax as a kind of victory over industry lobbying.
Veiled threat
However, there is a veiled threat the industry might simply absorb the tax rather than pass it on to the consumer, a move that would ultimately render the policy ineffective and lead to a potential repeal.
If we do secure the sugar tax which health groups have championed in recent years, that is a potential scenario of which to be mindful.
The State can lead the way in monitoring the effectiveness of such a tax in Europe and that would support its introduction beyond these islands.
Professor Donal O’Shea is chairman of the policy group on obesity at the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland