Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 14 Apr 1994

Vol. 441 No. 3

Written Answers - Passive Smoking Health Implications.

Peter Barry

Question:

31 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Health if any studies have been conducted in Ireland to ascertain the damage to health through passive smoking; the plans, if any, he has in relation to passive smoking in all public offices and places; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

While no specific studies have been conducted in Ireland on the subject there is now widespread international agreement on the links between passive smoking and ill-health.

The Tobacco (Health Promotion and Protection) Regulations, 1990, prohibit smoking in designated areas and facilities, including certain offices occupied by Government Departments and semi-State bodies.

My predecessor introduced a "voluntary code of practice" on smoking in the workplace in 1992, following recommendations from the Consultative Committee on Smoking in the Workplace. This was subsequently circulated to employers, including Government Departments, in the form of a booklet calledClean Air at Work.

I recently accepted the recommendations of the reconvened Consultative Committee on Smoking in the Workplace, that the voluntary code should be redrafted and promoted more comprehensively. I will be announcing measures in this regard in due course.