Vol. 571 No. 1
988 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the discussions his Depart ment has had with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform surrounding the concerns which residents adjoining public houses and night clubs have of increased noise and public order offences due to people smoking outside licensed premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20954/03]
The proposed prohibition on smoking in all places of work has been considered by the Government. Neither the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform nor the Garda Síochána has raised the concerns referred to by the Deputy; accordingly no discussions on these issues have taken place.
989 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will review the obligation on the publican to enforce the ban on smoking in licensed premises in the light of concerns by some publicans about their personal security and that of their staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20955/03]
I have no plans to review the obligation on owners, managers or persons in charge of licensed premises to comply with health and safety requirements in regard to smoking in their premises. The Office of Tobacco Control is preparing codes of practice to assist the hospitality sector in implementing the law in this area.
990 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has received a copy of the ICMOA analysis of the Office of Tobacco Control-HSA report on smoking in the workplace; if he has drawn any conclusions from this analysis; if so, if he will outline these conclusions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20956/03]
A copy of the report referred to by the Deputy was received in my Department. The report queries the necessity for the strong public health measures I announced earlier this year on protection from exposure to passive smoking. I am satisfied that the measures being taken on foot of the report on the health effects of environmental tobacco smoke in the workplace are justified.
