Denis Naughten
Question:353 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to ban smoking in public places; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4362/03]
Written Answers. - Anti-Smoking Campaign.
Denis Naughten
Question:354 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if, prior to his decision to ban smoking in public houses, he considered ventilation systems, the discrepancy north and south of the Border and the non-loading of publicans for life assurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4363/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 353 and 354 together.
On 30 January 2003 I launched the Report on the Health Effects of Environmental Tobacco Smoke – ETS – in the Workplace, which was commissioned by the Office of Tobacco Control and the Health and Safety Authority. One of the issues dealt with in the report is the effectiveness of ventilation and the expert advice is that current ventilation technologies are inadequate to give workers full protection from the hazards of tobacco smoke and that exposure can best be controlled by banning smoking in places of work. Acting on this advice I published draft regulations to provide for a prohibition on the smoking of tobacco products in all places of work, including licensed premises, which will come into operation on 1 January 2004.
Regulations on environmental tobacco smoke in other jurisdictions are a matter for the appropriate health and safety authorities there. Finally, I have no functions in relation to life insurance premia.