Finian McGrath
Ceist:836 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if the research required will be carried out from his Department's own report before introducing a ban on smoking. [19916/03]
Written Answers. - Smoking in the Workplace.
The report on the health effects of environmental tobacco smoke in the workplace referred to by the Deputy was commissioned by the Office of Tobacco Control and the Health and Safety Authority and prepared by an independent scientific working group.
I am advised that research in this area is carried out internationally on an ongoing basis. The published report shows that the independent scientific working group availed of the large numbers of studies already carried out on this issue. Their recommendations in the report with regard to the protection of persons in the workplace from exposure to toxic tobacco smoke are quite straightforward. Optimal protection for all workers is best provided by not allowing smoking in the workplace.