IBEC challenged on smoking ban policy

THAT IBEC, one of the so-called social partners, should come out against the ban on smoking in all workplaces comes as no surprise. Regrettably, IBEC has a long history of working against bans on smoking in the workplace.

They were heavily involved in pushing for a voluntary (unworkable) code of practice during the debate on this issue in 1994.

In addition, they have successfully used their muscle at the Health and Safety Authority to minimise action on smoking in the workplace.

What is surprising, though, is that IBEC is accepting the tobacco industry position that more research is needed to prove the link between passive smoke and harm to health.

Even the Irish Hospitality Industry Alliance now accepts that passive smoke causes disease.

Is there anyone in IBEC with a bit of independent thought or pride or who listens to health experts and the World Health Organisation?

More worrying, though, is the silence from one of the other social partners. With the notable exception of MANDATE, SIPTU and the POA, public support for Minister Martin's initiative to protect the health of workers from passive smoke has come predominantly from the Irish Cancer Society, the Irish Heart Foundation, ASH Ireland and most of the general public.

Now that the holiday period is over, perhaps we soon might hear the ICTU roar even a whimper would help in the battle to defend the health of workers against passive smoke.

Dr Fenton Howell,

ASH Ireland,

5, Northumberland Road,

Dublin 4.