Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 6 Mar 2001

Vol. 532 No. 1

Written Answers. - Anti-Smoking Policy.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

173 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement on the content of correspondence (details supplied) regarding public health policy on smoking, and the implementation of that policy. [6497/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

The letter referred to by the Deputy relates largely to concerns over environmental controls on smoking and whether additional prohibitions and restrictions on smoking in certain public areas and facilities will be introduced.

On Ash Wednesday, 28 February, I announced Government approval for the drafting of a Public Health and Tobacco Bill to give effect to the proposals in the policy document, Towards a Tobacco Free Society, and that the Bill will be given priority in the Government's legislative programme. The provisions of the Bill will include improved protection for people against passive smoking, extension of environmental controls on smoking in public areas and facilities and tougher enforcement provisions. It is not possible at this stage to give precise details with regard to each specific prohibition and restriction that will be introduced either in the Bill or by regulations made subsequent to its enactment.

With regard to concerns over enforcement, I have allocated an additional £1 million to the health boards in 2001 to enable them recruit about 30 environmental health officers and some administrative support to improve enforcement and compliance with existing anti-tobacco legislation. In relation to the specific location referred to by the person concerned, a further reply will issue to the person when inquiries are completed.