Bernard Allen
Question:167 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the proposals, if any, he has to introduce a total smoking ban on all public transport. [5678/00]
Written Answers. - Anti-smoking Strategy.
The Tobacco (Health Promotion and Protection) Regulations, 1995 prohibit smoking on all public service vehicles owned or operated by Bus Éireann and Bus Átha Cliath. Smoking is prohibited on privately owned transport vehicles used by the public which have a seating capacity for eight persons or more and which are engaged in the transport of persons for financial reward and in taxis and hackney cabs. Smoking is also prohibited on the DART and Arrow train sys tems operated by Iarnród Éireann. On mainline trains and aircraft and passenger ferries smoking is prohibited in at least two-thirds of the seating area.
The tobacco free policy group has completed a fundamental review on all aspects of health and tobacco including environmental controls on smoking in public facilities. When the group reports to me with its recommendations I will further consider the matter.