The number of 10 to 19 year olds who say they have smoked has fallen by eight percentage points to 42% over the last 10 years, according to TNS Nipo research commissioned by anti-smoking lobby Stivoro.

In 1997 43% of 15 and 16 year olds smoked while the figure now is 31%. Some 90% of adults who smoke began around their 15th birthday.