asked the Minister for Health if he will introduce legislation to prohibit smoking in cinemas in view of the health hazards to patrons and employees in such public places.

24.

asked the Minister for Health if he will make strong representations to cinema proprietors to ban smoking in cinemas in the interest of public health.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 24 together.

I do not think it would be appropriate to introduce such legislation now. However, I would be in favour of the introduction of non-smoking zones in cinemas and other public places on a voluntary basis and I have directed my Department to have early discussions on this with the proprietors of cinemas and other public places.