Doctors back smoking ban

MINISTER for Health Michéal Martin was advised to stick to his guns yesterday and go ahead with his ban on smoking in the workplace from the start of next year.

Although the minister was embroiled in yet another crisis following the death of Róisín Ruddle after her heart surgery was postponed, he was commended for his courage in tackling the tobacco issue.

The ban on smoking in the workplace, including pubs and restaurants, is trenchantly opposed by publicans, who predict it will not go ahead.

But yesterday a group of doctors and academics came out in favour of the plan, saying non-smokers live longer and feel healthier.

The statement from the Medical and Allied Professional Community in Ireland said in addition to its effects on smokers, tobacco also affects non-smokers who are exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), particularly in bars, restaurants and other workplaces.

Office of Tobacco Control chairman Dr Michael Boland said workers were entitled to work in safe places.

“Clearly ETS is a danger for people who have to suffer it. We are urging the minister to stick to his guns, to go ahead with his plan and tackle the issue,” he said.

“This is the most united statement from health professionals ever in this country. I have never seen a statement so widely supported by the allied health profession,” he added.

According to Dr Boland, there was no reason why the minister would change his position, as there was enormous support countrywide for the ban.

The doctors’ statement left the Government with no option but to proceed with the proposed ban on smoking in the workplace, according to the Irish Heart Foundation.

“This is an important statement from health experts and must not be ignored,” a spokesman said.

“The Irish Heart Foundation, having assessed relevant international research, is deeply concerned that passive smoking is now linked to heart disease in a number of different ways.

“As cardiovascular disease is a major health risk and indeed cause of death in Ireland, we must do everything possible to reduce its impact,” the spokesman added.

“The introduction of a workplace ban on smoking will ensure that all of us, including bar workers, can visit our workplace without damaging our health.

“Surely this is the least we deserve.”