Seán Haughey
Question:290 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to ban smoking in public houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7793/02]
Written Answers. - Smoking Ban.
The Public Health (Tobacco) Bill, 2001, provides for enabling powers for the Minister for Health and Children to prohibit or restrict smoking of tobacco products in many public places, including licensed premises. It is reasonable to extend environmental controls on smoking to more public places to ensure protection for the public from the harmful effects of environmental tobacco smoke. Following enactment of the Bill I will be consulting with relevant interests about introducing new regulations to extend environmental controls on smoking to a number of public areas and facilities not included in existing regulations including pubs.