Smoke-free workplaces for all employees
One may think that as an employee of a Government department with such a noble title, that, under the law of this land, I would receive justice, equality and legal protection.
However, in his wisdom as the then Health Minister Micheál Martin exempted employees of prisons, some hospitals and residential homes from the workplace smoking ban.
Heaven forbid that we should deny poor John Criminal his smoke in his cell or an elegant old lady her cigarette in her nursing home. But what precautions are taken to protect the employees of these establishments from smoking-related illnesses?
How much money will it eventually cost us as taxpayers in legal fees and compensation to employees of these institutions? How much money will be paid to Joe Criminal when he decides to sue because he has no choice but to share his cell with a smoker?
My employer must give his employees the same protection as every other employee in this State.
Gavin Bailey
Prison Officer
Mountjoy Prison
North Circular Road
Dublin 7
