THE pro-smoking ban health and trade union lobby, representing at least 1.1 million people in Ireland, wish to express our deepest disappointment and frustration at the decision of the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) and the Irish Hospitality Industry Alliance (IHIA) to continue to oppose and obstruct this vital public health initiative.

WE in the Environmental Health Officers Association are disappointed with the stance taken by Martin Cullen and other elected representatives on the proposed ban on smoking in the workplace.

VINTNERS claim that next year's ban on smoking in pubs will be unworkable and accuse Health Minister Micheál Martin of overreacting.