Vol. 513 No. 6
306 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has received representations from a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6 in relation to smoking in the workplace; the way in which he will address the problem of smoking in the private workplace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3290/00]
Representations were received from the person referred to by the Deputy regarding health concerns over exposure to environmental tobacco smoke or passive smoking at his place of work. Smoking in his particular workplace situation is not regulated by statute.
A voluntary code of practice on smoking in the workplace was launched in September 1994. This code is supported by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, the Irish Business and Employers Confederation, Irish Heart Foundation, Irish Cancer Society, ASH Ireland and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The code is designed to facilitate employers and employees through consultation to develop smoke free policies in the workplace. While the code of practice is working well in some workplaces other workplace situations are less than satisfactory.
The Tobacco Free Policy Group established to carry out a fundamental review of tobacco and health included smoking in the workplace in its review. The group has just completed its report and will be submitting it to me in a matter of days. I will be publishing the report shortly. The person referred to by the Deputy was advised of the position.
