The HSE is being urged to adopt a quit smoking programme tested by the Irish Cancer Society.
The number of women who smoke in poorer areas is four and a half times higher than those in more affluent areas.
The society, in partnership with several other organisations including National Women's Council of Ireland and the HSE, ran a 12 week group support programme in two parts of Dublin which also saw free nicotine replacement therapies given out.
46% of those who took part in the programme gave up smoking.
In a statement, the Irish Cancer Society explains that, "‘We Can Quit’ provides smokers with group and one-to-one support from trained community facilitators as well as access to free nicotine replacement therapies (NRT), through the local pharmacy."
The Irish Cancer Society says more than 50,000 smokers need to give up smoking every year to meet the Department of Health’s target of a tobacco-free Ireland by 2025.
Head of advocacy and communications with the Irish Cancer Society is Kathleen O'Meara:
