Smoking poll
Opinion divided
The Taoiseach has given his firmest indication yet that the proposed smoking ban will be introduced in bars and restaurants in January and will not be phased in.
Mr Ahern was responding to an opinion poll that indicated an apparent drop in public support for the measure.
The IMS poll in today's Irish Independent shows 52% of people are in favour of the ban.
However, three months ago, another poll put support at 67%.
Asked about the timescale of the proposed ban, Mr Ahern said that some people had spoken in terms of requiring a couple of years to install ventilation equipment but, he said, that this was not going to happen.
Earlier, Health Minister Micheál Martin said he remained committed to implementing the ban. He is visiting New York this week to see the first-hand the impact of the measure there.
