Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 9 Dec 2003

Vol. 576 No. 5

Written Answers. - Smoking Ban.

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

349 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the impact on the timing of the introduction of the smoking ban as a result of objections from several EU countries to the proposed regulations; the nature of the questions raised by objectors; and if it is intended to postpone the further stages of the Public Health Tobacco (Amendment) Bill until the problems surrounding the regulations are resolved in view of the fact that it is possible changes to the legislation may be required. [29950/03]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

The regulations made by me on 16 October 2003 prohibiting smoking in the workplace from 26 January 2004 were notified to the European Commission in draft format on 24 April 2003. During the standstill period that allows other member states to comment on the measure no objections were received by the Commission. The standstill period ended on 26 July 2003.

Amendments to the regulations specifying exemptions were notified to the EU Commission in draft format on 3 November 2003 and 13 November 2003. The standstill periods set by the Commission for receipt of comments by other member states end on 4 February 2004 and 16 February 2004. I am advised that no objections to the proposed amendments have been received to date by the Commission. The Second Stage of the Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Bill 2003 is on the Order of Business for the Dáil on Friday, 12 December 2003.