A government report recommends a range of actions to curb the use of tobacco in Irish society.
The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children published a report with proposals aimed at halving the number of adult smokers and eliminating underage smoking by 2005.
Some of these include a ban on smoking in pubs, restaurants, and in many places of work.
There is also the proposal to remove statutory barriers which might impede individuals taking legal action against tobacco companies relating to illnesses caused by tobacco use. Sizeable increases in taxation on tobacco are also recommended.
Fine Gael spokesperson on Health, Alan Shatter is optimistic that the government will take these recommendations on board but says that they must all be adopted if the present situation is to change. He describes this document as,
A revolutionary report.
One pub customer who has recently stopped smoking would be in favour of a smoking ban where food is being served,
In restaurants, I don't like that at all.
Another is firm in her opinion,
It's not going to work.
Many in the pub and restaurant trade have expressed dissatisfaction at the prospect that a smoking ban could become reality.
For those unable to kick the habit however, change may be some time away. A Dáil debate must take place before legislation enforcing some or all of the recommendations can be drafted, before it is passed into law.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 9 November 1999. The reporter is Richard Dowling.
