Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Oct 2003

Vol. 571 No. 4

Written Answers. - Smoking Ban.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

416 Mr. O'Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will report on his contacts with the health boards regarding the need to properly prepare for the introduction of the smoking ban in pubs from January 2004 and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22094/03]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The Office of Tobacco Control has been in contact with the health boards regarding overall implementation and monitoring of the prohibition on smoking in the workplace.

Officials from my Department have met with the Office of Tobacco Control and the Health and Safety Authority in preparation for the introduction of the prohibition. Further meetings are being arranged to include representatives from the various agencies and bodies involved in the area of tobacco control and health and safety in the workplace in advance of January 2004. Liaison by officials from my Department with the appropriate agencies concerned – including health boards – will be ongoing in advance of, and after, the introduction of the prohibition on smoking in the workplace.