Martin stands firm on smoking ban

HEALTH Minister Micheál Martin said yesterday he was confident the smoking ban will be introduced in the coming months.

Despite threatened legal challenges by publicans, the minister said yesterday he will be announcing a date for the implementation of the ban shortly.

“I hope to announce it in the coming weeks,” he said.

Announcing the plans for the EU Presidency in the health area, the minister said he was anticipating a legal challenge and preparations were being made.

Legal advice was currently being sought on the authorisation of the Health and Safety Authority to enforce the ban.

Interests in the hospitality industry wanted to halt the introduction of the smoking ban, irrespective of their claims.

“Their ultimate ambition, one way or another, is to bring this edifice down,” he said.

“The likelihood of a legal challenge always looms in the context of tobacco,” he added.

But a legal challenge would go against the will of the majority of the Irish people, Mr Martin said.

Signalling the implementation date would be in March or April, the minister said he was confident the proposed legislation would stand up in court.

While Mr Martin originally planned to introduce the ban on January 1, it has been delayed in order to iron out technical details.

Meanwhile, a million people will be issued with European Health Insurance Cards later this year to allow for easier access to health services across the European Union.

The card will replace the E111 health insurance form and subsequently other forms like the E112 and E128.

Yesterday, Mr Martin said a million cards have been ordered in this country and will probably be issued in June.