FG supports smoking ban in pubs

Fine Gael has called for smoking to be banned in pubs.

Party spokesman Gay Mitchell said that up to 900 people die in Ireland each year because of passive smoking and the habit should therefore be prohibited in pubs.

Health Minister Micheal Martin has already said he might amend the Public Health (Tobacco) Bill to include a ban on smoking in pubs and workplaces.

The Oireachtas committee on health and children is currently debating the bill.