The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, has strongly backed plans to ban smoking in the workplace, in pubs and in restaurants.
Mr Ahern told reporters in Dublin this morning that the Government had to take account of the health implications of smoking.
He said he did not believe suggestions that the ban would stop people from eating out or going to licensed premises to drink.
Mr Ahern said that the directive would have to be 'fair and balanced', but denied that his remarks were an indication that the ban would not come into force on the first of January as planned.
However, Mr Ahern said details remain to be finalised by the Minister for Health, Michéal Martin.
On the state of the public finances, Mr Ahern said that tough decisions could not be dodged. He said public Government spending could only take place at a rate that matched Revenue income which has slumped.
