Vol. 407 No. 5
58 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for Health the number of prosecutions which resulted from the implementation of the Tobacco (Health Promotion and Protection) Regulations, 1990; if he has satisfied himself with the operation and enforcement of the regulations; if he intends to further restrict smoking in public areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
No prosecutions have been taken to date under the regulations. On the basis of feedback from a wide range of interests there appears to be a very high level of general support for the regulations and there would not appear to be any evidence of widspread non-observance.
I have established a consultative committee to examine the possible extension of the regulations to the workplace. This committee consists of representatives from the relevant organisations and agencies — the Departments of Health and Labour, the Health and Safety Authority, ICTU, the FIE and a consultant medical practitioner. I also propose to undertake, this year, a general review of the regulations to evaluate a possible extension to their provisions.
