ASH Ireland Supports Workplace Ban

Date: 30 January 2003

ASH Ireland strongly supports Minister Michael Martin in the introduction of a total ban on smoking in the workplace – announced today. It is now imperative that this important health legislation is accepted, supported, and implemented.

The ban on smoking in pubs is crucially important. The 70% of bar workers and patrons, who do not smoke, can now work in or visit a public house without having to inhale other people’s smoke.

Dr. Fenton Howell, Chairman of ASH Ireland said, “The research published by the working group today has left the Minister with no other option but to protect workers. The research confirms that passive smoke is a carcinogen, which causes lung cancer. It also causes heart disease, and respiratory problems in adults and children. And we have confirmation that air conditioning technologies are ineffective in removing the risk.”

The Minister and his officials must now ensure that the necessary legislation is introduced without unnecessary delay. This legislation should be supported by a wide-ranging educational campaign, which outlines to workers the harm from passive smoke and their rights under new legislation. It also needs to be underpinned by a clear policy of enforcement. It is also important for employers to respond positively to a health measure, which will improve workers health and ease litigation fears.

Most importantly members of general public must recognise and respond to the right of other citizens to unpolluted air. Ireland can set the trend internationally on this issue – a most positive health issue.