THE HSE Tobacco Free Ireland Programme have launched the Financial Incentives to Stop Smoking (FISS) Programme pilot including Kilrush.
This initiative is designed to offer enhanced support and motivation to residents who want to quit smoking, reinforcing the HSE’s commitment to improving health in communities where support is needed most.
The scheme, which began in March 2025, offers individuals who smoke, gift vouchers (financial incentives) of up to €400 over 12 months when they engage with a comprehensive stop smoking support programme and successfully quit smoking.
International evidence clearly demonstrates the power of combining expert support with financial incentives. When paired with intensive support from services like HSE QUIT, financial incentives have been shown to double a person’s chances of successfully quitting smoking long-term.
To be eligible to participate in this pilot, participants need to be living in the key target community areas and hold a medical card.
“We know most people who smoke want to quit,” said Niamh Keating, Health Promotion and Improvement Officer, Health and Wellbeing, HSE Mid West. “Financial incentives, alongside intensive professional support, are a proven way to make that ambition a reality, especially in communities with higher smoking rates. This programme is about empowering residents in Kilrush and targeted areas of Limerick city with the practical assistance and motivation to make this positive, lasting change.”
Tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable illness in Ireland. Smoking rates are higher in disadvantaged areas, resulting in poorer health outcomes for many people. The Tobacco Free Ireland Government Strategy set a target of reducing smoking prevalence to less than 5% nationally. Despite some progress, smoking rates have remained largely unchanged since 2019, with rates up to 25% for some groups and communities.
Who is eligible?
People over 18 who smoke, live in Kilrush and targeted areas of Limerick city, hold a medical card, and are committed to quitting smoking.
Support Provided
Participants receive specialised stop smoking support and regular follow-ups from a dedicated HSE stop-smoking advisor. This includes free Nicotine Replacement Therapies (patch plus gum or other product) through HSE QUIT services.
How it Works
Participants engage with the HSE stop-smoking support services for a 12-month programme. They receive gift vouchers (e.g., One4All) at various smoke-free milestones (e.g., one week, two weeks, etc.) after their quit status is verified using a simple carbon monoxide breath test.
Maximum Incentive
Participants can receive up to €400 in vouchers over the 12 months. For example, staying quit for one week earns €20, two weeks earns another €20, and so on.
Call to Action
If you smoke and live in Kilrush or Limerick city take the first step towards a healthier future and contact QUIT Mid West at 065 686 5841 or quit.midwest@hse.ie now.