asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in making regulations under the Tobacco (Health Promotion and Protection) Act, 1988.
Written Answers. - Tobacco (Health Promotion and Protection) Act.
229.
The making of regulations under section 2 of the Tobacco (Health Promotion and Protection) Act, 1988, is complex. The regulations will, as appropriate, prohibit or restrict the consumption of tobacco products in a wide range of places and facilities, the definitions and designations of which have to be clear to ensure that the controls to be put in place are practical, effective, easily monitored and enforced. The Deputy will appreciate the need for clarity where restrictions and prohibitions on individual activity is involved.
In line with my promise to both Houses of the Oireachtas during the debate on the Bill, that I would consult relevant organisations and bodies on the draft regulations, proposals for implementing section 2 of the Act are being circulated by my Department and I am satisfied that given the nature of the proposed regulations there has not been a delay in their preparation. I propose to have the regulations in place in January 1989 as a key element in my Department's programme for the EC's "European Year Against Cancer".