Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 April 2004
179 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children when the position with regard to hotel rooms will be reviewed in view of the fact that the smoking ban has been introduced; if the ban will be changed to include hotel rooms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12204/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe smoke-free workplaces measures apply, with limited exceptions, to all enclosed places of work. These measures do not apply to hotel bedrooms as these are considered to be equivalent to private dwellings. A decision to allow the smoking of tobacco products in exempted premises is a matter for the management of the premises concerned. However, the fact that particular premises are exempted does not confer a right to smoke in that location and neither does it affect the duty of care an employer has in respect of his or her employees. Guidelines in respect of protection for staff for whom hotel bedrooms are a place of work have issued to the Irish Hotels Federation.
