Vol. 459 No. 3
44 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Health if he will extend no smoking areas to all sections of hospitals in view of the problems caused to hospital staff, patients and visitors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17929/95]
I have recently announced a number of extensions to the existing controls on smoking in certain places. The amending regulations will be laid before the Oireachtas shortly and will come into effect on 1 January.
From that date, smoking will be prohibited in hospitals, nursing homes and other health facilities such as residential and day care centres. It will, however, be permitted to provide specific facilities where staff or patients may smoke.
This new restriction will ensure that all staff, patients and visitors are protected from the effects of unwanted tobacco smoke. The previous restriction provided only for the designation of non-smoking areas within the hospital and it was clear that a more comprehensive restriction was necessary.
