Passive smoking in workplaces
Mitchell asked whether workplace rules could protect non-smokers from passive smoking, including designated smoking areas. The Minister said proposed health legislation would address the issue and noted that some workplaces already had negotiated or voluntary restrictions.
Has the Minister any thoughts on the problem of passive smoking and the implications of passive smoking for non-smokers who must work in places where there are many smokers? Would it be his intention to make provision in the forthcoming health and safety legislation to regulate the situation which aggravates many non-smokers?
Comment on this
That is a matter for the Minister for Health. The Deputy has probably seen the Draconian measures which he proposes to bring forward. I would ban smoking completely but I do not think that would be acceptable. The measures which the Minister for Health will shortly bring before the House will go a long way towards meeting the Deputy's wishes.
Comment on this
I was hoping that in the context of the workplace employers and employees would be asked to agree that smoking should only take place in a specified area and that it cannot take place where the generality of people eat or work.
Comment on this
That is already in the negotiated agreements of many firms, hospitals and some industries but the voluntary approach will be needed as well.