Theresa Ahearn
Question:144 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Education if she has any proposals to introduce legislation prohibiting smoking in staff rooms in schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Smoking in Staff Rooms.
The position under the Tobacco (Health Promotion and Protection) Regulations, 1990, is that smoking is prohibited in primary and post-primary schools. A smoking facility may, however, be provided for staff but it may not be a classroom or a room used for recreational purposes by pupils.
Primary responsibility for the enforcement of the regulations in schools rests with the managerial authorities. I have no proposals to extend the scope of the tobacco regulations. This would be a matter in the first instance for consideration by the Minister for Health.