Politicians to be polled on smoking ban changes

A NATIONAL survey of TDs and senators is being conducted with a view to garnering support for changes to the proposed Government laws on smoking in the workplace.

This initiative is being undertaken by the Cork Alliance for Civil Liberties, which believes locations such as prisons, psychiatric hospitals and shelters for the homeless should be excluded from the legislation.

Also, private householders, like those who require the assistance of carers, au pairs and childminders, could be held legally accountable if they smoke within their own homes in the presence of these employees, under the terms of the amendments to the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Regulations.