Vol. 442 No. 9
40 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health whether he has sought a report on the number of cases of breaches of the no smoking rules that have been acted upon by the Dublin Bus Service; if so, the findings of this report; and if he has satisfied himself that the legislation is being properly enforced.
In accordance with the Tobacco (Health Promotion and Protection) Regulations, 1990, smoking on buses in the service of Dublin Bus is prohibited. Responsibility for implementing the regulations insofar as they apply to Dublin Bus vehicles is a matter for the Eastern Health Board in consultation with Dublin Bus. Where alleged breaches of the regulations are reported to the Eastern Health Board they are immediately referred by the Board for attention to Dublin Bus and a report on the outcome is provided to the Board.
I am not aware of any widespread breaches of the regulations. The Deputy will, however, appreciate that, given the large number of vehicles operated by Dublin Bus individual breaches will occur from time to time. I am satisfied that adequate mechanisms exist to ensure that such breaches are kept to a minimum.
