Jim O'Keeffe
Question:26 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health the basis on which no smoking arrangements are put in place in hospitals; whether such arrangements are enforced and, if so, the means of enforcement.
Written Answers. - Smoking Regulations in Hospitals.
The Tobacco (Health Promotion and Protection) Regulations, 1990, provide for restriction and prohibition of smoking in certain designated public places. Article 7, Part III of the regulations, apply in the case of hospitals and other health facilities. This article provides for the designation of certain clearly identified areas where smoking is prohibited. It is a matter for the hospital authorities to decide on the areas most appropriate within the hospital for such designation. Enforcement arrangements have been put in place involving the health board environment health officer. In the case of hospitals the managers of such facilities are enforcing the regulations. Persons who do not conform to the regulations are liable to penalties for such failure.