Smoking ban - Credit due for novel measure

It is now five years since the introduction of the smoking ban in the workplace. While this has undoubtedly contributed to a decline in the pub culture, the ban is being hailed internationally as a progressive piece of legislation that is being copied in other countries.

People have been rightly critical of the Government for its many failings, but they deserve credit on this occasion. 30 years ago Charles J Haughey introduced the ban on the advertising of tobacco as minister for health.

As minister for health, Micheál Martin introduced the ban on smoking in the workplace, which will undoubtedly save many lives. The dangers of passive smoking can increase the risk of a stroke by over 80%, and the risk of lung cancer by 40%, as it may expose the individual to as many as 50 agents known to cause cancer.