Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 March 2005
142 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if smoking by patients is permitted in geriatric-type hospitals in a designated smoking room; and if her attention has been drawn to the fact that concerns have been raised by patients in a geriatric hospital where such smoking is no longer permitted. [8106/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 and where a hospital, as referred to by the Deputy, meets the requirements so specified an exemption will apply. 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 a premises is 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.
