Earlier this year, the Government decided to ban smoking in the workplace. During the summer, a senior Minister publicly disagreed with the collective decision of the Government and his lead was followed by a Minister of State and several backbenchers. On last night's evidence, it appears that the smoke signals coming from the Fianna Fáil workplace seriously undermine the Government decision. This is happening at a time when the newspapers today are filled with a veritable litany of mismanagement of the public's business and money. I do not know whether this is the ultimate smokescreen devised by Fianna Fáil.

May I ask the Taoiseach a straight question? Who is in charge in this matter? Can I take it that the Government intends to adhere to its decision and introduce this legislation on 1 January 2004, as it announced during the summer, or are we to have a continuous stream of protest and smoke signals giving confusing messages between now and Christmas? Will the Government adhere to its stated decision and is the nation now to be told that this legislation will take effect on 1 January 2004 to put an end to this matter once and for all?

From January 2004 smoking will be prohibited in the workplace. The primary purpose of the prohibition is to protect workers and the public from exposure to harmful toxic environmental tobacco smoke. The Minister for Health and Children is proceeding with this important public health initiative which is based on the recommendations of the Report on the Health Effects of Environmental Tobacco Smoke in the Workplace which are already in the public domain. The report was prepared by an independent scientific group commissioned by the Office for Tobacco Control and the Health and Safety Authority and was published in January of this year. At that stage, the Minister announced the ban would take effect from next January, which it will.

I believe that there is consensus within the international scientific community on the negative health effects of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke.

Not within Fianna Fáil.

The World Health Organisation has classified environmental tobacco smoke as a class A carcinogen, and the damaging effect of tobacco smoke is indisputable. There are many views on this.

I am delighted to hear Deputy Kenny's interest in my parliamentary party meetings. There was enormous support for the principle and practically all the detail of the Minister's proposal.

This is collective Cabinet responsibility.

Some expressed other views about this issue as others in the public domain would do. The prohibition was announced a year in advance of the starting date to allow a reasonable time for employers, businesses and the public to adopt the changes required. To be able to work and socialise in a clean, smoke-free environment will have health benefits for all concerned.

Is that a "yes" or a "no"?

Now that the air has been cleared regarding one matter by the Taoiseach reiterating that the legislation will take effect on 1 January 2004, in respect of the consensus he says exists within the international scientific community which does not seem to be paralleled within the political community of his party, is there to be a compromise in respect of the introduction or phasing in of the legislation because of the pressure of lobby groups, especially on Fianna Fáil backbenchers and Ministers, or is the legislation to be introduced fully, completely and effectively from 1 January 2004 as was the Government announcement when it made its collective decision in the first instance?

I reiterate that from January, smoking will be prohibited in the workplace. The Minister will bring forward the order and the details of that are in the public domain. The Minister said previously that he would listen to all reasoned opinion on the matter but that does not change the principle of this, namely, a ban on smoking in areas that affect workers' health. That is the position.