ASH Ireland welcomes UK WORKPLACE LEGISLATION

Date: 14 February 2006

ASH IRELAND WELCOMES FULL WORKPLACE SMOKING BAN IN THE UK

ASH Ireland welcomes a decision in the UK Parliament this evening to introduce a full workplace smoking ban - to include pubs, clubs and restaurants. This is a historic decision and the model used is very much in keeping with Ireland's initiative of March 2004.

Professor Luke Clancy, Chairman of ASH Ireland said this evening, "we and other interested parties in Ireland have met many of the groups involved in this campaign in the past year - and they were certainly influenced by the success of the Irish Model. Recently the Select Committee dealing with this issue in the UK paid us a visit - and it was they who recommended a total ban, which has now received the support of the vast majority of MPs"

This decision this evening is important as initially a partial ban was suggested - and this of course would have failed. The UK decision follows on similar decisions in Ireland, parts of the US, Norway, Italy and Spain. In the years ahead it is clear that 100% workplace smoking bans will be the norm around the world - and this will have a massive impact on smoking habits and peoples general health. Passive smoking kills - and thankfully this irrefutable fact is now getting the response it deserves from legislators all around the world.

ends

For Contact

Professor Luke Clancy - 086-8364337

Wally Young, Young Communications - 087-2471520

ASH Ireland is fully funded by the Irish Heart Foundation and Irish Cancer Society