Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Feb 1996

Vol. 461 No. 2

Written Answers. - Tobacco Legislation.

Liam Aylward

Question:

79 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Health if he will amend the Tobacco (Health Promotion and Protection) Regulations, 1995, first schedule part 1, section XIV, to facilitate a number of associations and clubs which were set up by smokers to facilitate smokers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2688/96]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Mr. O'Shea)

The reference is to the prohibition on smoking in specific areas, including playing areas and circulation areas, in premises which are used for the playing of bingo and bridge. These are among a wide range of indoor entertainment venues, as well as other facilities, in which smoking is prohibited as part of the Government's comprehensive policy to discourage the consumption of tobacco. This policy is necessary because smoking-related disease causes over 6,000 deaths in Ireland each year; indeed, smoking is the chief cause of premature death.

The proposition has been put to me that I should allow an exemption from such prohibitions for clubs which set out to cater specifically for smokers. However, this would mean that the law would effectively be encouraging the formation of clubs geared towards smokers and this would be directly counter to the objectives of the Government's overall policy on smoking. It would also mean that other facilities such as restaurants and sports halls could seek to evade the restrictions by declaring themselves to be smokers' clubs, and I have no doubt that such a development could seriously undermine the important public health objective which the Government is pursuing.

I am anxious to implement the Government's policy in a balanced way which takes account of the requirements of smokers as well as non-smokers, but I would not favour the proposed exemptions for the above reasons.