Mary Upton
Question:529 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will investigate repeated breaches of smoking by-laws on Dublin Bus services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11363/04]
View answerTuesday, 27 April 2004
Questions (471)
Written answers
Smoking is prohibited on all public service vehicles owned or operated by Dublin Bus. Under Dublin Bus by-laws, authorised persons, including inspectors, drivers and conductors, have powers to enforce regulations in this area. I am advised that Dublin Bus currently operates plain clothes monitoring to detect breaches of smoking by-laws on its services. Dublin Bus has also advised that 350 prosecutions were processed in 2003 with fines ranging up to €300. To date this year, 80 prosecutions have been brought or are being processed.
Dublin Bus has reported that complaints about breaches of smoking by-laws on its services have decreased since the introduction of the smoke free workplaces measures last month. It is in everyone's interest that the prohibition on smoking on bus services is observed and enforced to ensure protection of passengers and Dublin Bus personnel from the harmful effects of toxic environmental tobacco smoke.