Paul Kehoe
Ceist:110 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance the impact the proposed smoking ban will have on Exchequer receipts and payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21698/03]
Written Answers. - Smoking Ban.
The effect of the proposed workplace smoking ban on tax receipts will be reviewed in assessing the prospects for tax revenues for budget 2004. The relevant factors in this regard will include: whether the ban leads to less tobacco and alcohol consumption and, if so, whether the money involved will be spent on other taxable goods and services. My Department will be seeking to quantify this possible impact on tax revenues, as far as this can be done, in the run-up to the budget.
As regards Exchequer payments or spending, it is not anticipated that the proposed ban will impact in the short-term. However, the consequential reduction in passive smoking should result in a healthier population, which in itself should reduce the burden on certain health services in the medium to long-term.