ASH Ireland Welcomes Workplace Regulations

Date: 23 October 2003

ASH Ireland welcomes the announcement today that the Minister for Health and Children has signed the new Regulations on Workplace Smoking.

Professor Luke Clancy, Chairman of ASH Ireland said, “A smoking ban in the workplace, including bars and restaurants, will be operative form 26 January 2004 – and this is good news. This is a vitally important health initiative and I want to compliment Minister Martin and the Government on their commitment and resolve on this issue.”

This legislation will afford all of us a carcinogen free workplace by right. This legislation is not about the right of a smoker to smoke - it is about denying the right of one worker to pollute another’s space.

We expect the Vintners and other associations will act responsibly and support this important health legislation.