Michael Ring
Question:362 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in regard to the smoking ban, residents in group homes are permitted to smoke; and if the staff who care for them are permitted to smoke. [17270/04]
View answerTuesday, 15 June 2004
Questions (311)
Written answers
The smoke-free workplaces measures apply, with limited exceptions, to all enclosed places of work. The exemptions are specified in the Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Act 2004, and where a residential group home, as referred to by the Deputy, meets the requirements so specified an exemption will apply. A decision to allow the smoking of tobacco products in exempted premises is a matter for the management of the premises concerned. However, the fact that a premises is exempted does not confer a right to smoke in that location, and neither does it affect the duty of care that an employer has in respect of his or her employees.