Gerard Murphy
Ceist:286 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason smoking concessions are allowed in nursing homes but not in long-stay community hospitals. [15531/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 25 May 2004
Ceisteanna (266)
Freagraí scríofa
The smoke-free workplaces measures apply, with limited exceptions, to all enclosed places of work. The exemptions are specified in the Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Act 2004. An exemption will apply where a long-stay community hospital meets the specified requirements. A decision to allow the smoking of tobacco products in exempted premises is a matter for the management of the premises concerned. The fact that a premises is exempted does not confer a right to smoke in that location. Neither does it affect the duty of care an employer has in respect of his or her employees.