Vol. 571 No. 3
213 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the likely economic impact of the proposed smoking ban on tourism and hospitality venues in view of the recent poll findings that 50% of patrons believe they will visit these venues less frequently once the ban is in force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21674/03]
214 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if tourism numbers will fall as a result of the smoking ban; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21701/03]
215 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if the smoking ban will have an impact on Ireland's long-term attractiveness as a tourism venue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21702/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 213 to 215, inclusive, together.
As a result of regulations to be introduced by the Minister for Health and Children, smoking is to be prohibited in all places of work, including licensed premises and restaurants with effect from January 2004 to protect employees and the public from exposure to the harmful effects of environmental tobacco smoke. The announcement of the public health initiative has brought about a substantial public debate on the issue of passive smoking and the damaging effects to health generally. A number of opinion polls, surveys and other studies have also been conducted in recent months into the social and economic consequences of the ban on smoking in the workplace.
To gain a better understanding of the potential impact of the proposed prohibition on smoking in pubs and restaurants on tourism, Tourism Ireland sought the opinion of its market based staff and a representative sample of the overseas market trade on the impact of such a ban. The outcome of that research was that the proposed ban would not have a dramatic effect on visitor numbers to Ireland unless there was widespread negative publicity attached to the ban. However, even the impact of the latter is considered likely to be short-term. In addition, most third party research identified by Tourism Ireland including studies from Australia, the US, Canada and Hong Kong, unequivocally concluded that such bans have had no significant negative impact on tourist arrivals, with many identifying a positive long-term impact.
