Mary Flaherty
Question:516 Miss Flaherty asked the Minister for Health the further plans, if any, he has to enforce restrictions on smoking in public places.
Written Answers. - Restriction on Smoking Regulations.
Restrictions on smoking in public places and certain public offices were introduced by me in May last year. On the basis of feedback from a wide range of interests there appears to be a very high level of general support for the regulations and there would not appear to be any evidence of widespread non-observance.
I have established a consultative committee to examine the possible extension of the regulations to the workplace. This committee consists of representatives from the relevant organisations and agencies — the Departments of Health and Labour, the Health and Safety Authority, ICTU, the FIE and a consultant medical practitioner. I also propose to undertake, this year, a general review of the regulations to evaluate a possible extension to their provisions.