Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2004
736 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children the safeguards he has instituted to ensure that the smoking ban is being enforced in factories and workplaces; the number of such places inspected under the legislation; the level of compliance found; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21288/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraMonitoring compliance with the smoke-free workplaces measure is being carried out by officers from health boards, the Office of Tobacco Control and the Health and Safety Authority. Workplace locations traditionally visited by the Health and Safety Authority have to comply with the smoke-free measure as part of their general compliance with health and safety requirements. Monitoring compliance in the food, hospitality and health sectors is carried out by officers from health boards and the Office of Tobacco Control.
I am advised by the Health and Safety Authority that it has carried out 4,114 inspections for compliance in enclosed workplaces since the introduction of the new measures and that there has been an average of 91% compliance. The response to date across all sectors is very positive with compliance at a very high level. The successful introduction of the new measure reflects the widespread public support and goodwill that exists for a clean smoke-free environment in the workplace.
