asked the Minister for Health whether his attention has been drawn to recent medical reports which show that persons who are themselves non-smokers have an abnormally high incidence of lung cancer when subjected to cigarette smoke emitted by others; and whether he will ban all cigarette smoking in theatres, cinemas, public restaurants and other places of public assembly.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Public Smoking Ban.
12.
I am aware of the reports referred to by the Deputy.
I do not think it would be feasible at present to ban smoking in all public places completely. My Department are currently developing proposals in regard to this matter and, in particular, are looking into the possibility of providing nonsmoking areas on a phased basis.
I might mention that the Health Education Bureau's anti-smoking campaign now starting is placing special emphasis on the dangers of passive smoking.
Will the Minister state the priority areas where he intends to start introducing a ban on tobacco smoking? For instance, will it be done in the Dáil restaurant and places like that? Will it be done in cinemas?
At the Fianna Fáil Ard-Fheis.
A good idea.
Places of public entertainment.
Has the Minister received in the post, as I did yesterday, a tawdry little bauble from the Health Education Bureau——
I think the Minister is wearing it.
——the design of which is obscure, to say the least. If you put a thousand of them in Hector Grey's tomorrow morning you would not sell one of them. Will the Minister request the Health Education Bureau to reexamine the efficacy of this method, in particular the extraordinary degree of ignorance and bad taste that was caused by putting it out on Ash Wednesday.
The campaign by the Health Education Bureau on the ill effects of passive smoking is a matter that has been researched and marketed by the bureau. The Deputy may rest assured that they have put a good deal of thought into preparation of the campaign. Their previous campaigns have been successful and I have no doubt they will succeed in having an impact in the area of passive smoking.
How effective was the campaign?
Reports on the campaign indicate that it was very useful and very good, I have not got a final analysis of it. When that is available I will let the Deputy know.
(Interruptions).