asked the Minister for Health if, given the increase in smoking among the young, he will ban smoking in all first and second level schools.
Written Answers. - Smoking in Schools.
41.
There are indications that young persons (in particular young women) are starting to smoke in increasing numbers and this is of particular concern to me. Section 2 of the Tobacco Health (Promotion and Protection) Act, 1988, enables me to make regulations to either prohibit or restrict smoking in a designated area or a designated facility. My Department is currently preparing regulations under the Act.
The regulations will include a provision for a prohibition on smoking in first and second level class rooms. This measure is designated to create an exemplary environment for young people. The regulations are in the final stages of drafting and I hope to be in a position to sign them very soon.
I might add that in the context of preventing smoking among young people the 1988 Act prohibits the sale of tobacco products to persons under 16 years of age.