A body representing psychiatrists working in hospitals has said it wants the Minister for Health to relax the ban on smoking in psychiatric care facilities.
The Irish College of Psychiatrists says it supports Micheál Martin's ban, but says patients should be allowed to smoke in designated areas away from staff and other patients.
The College also says that patients should receive help to give up smoking in institutions which are home to many patients.
It is seeking a meeting with the Department of Health and Children to discuss the issues further.
The ICP and the Northern Ireland Division of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, represents the membership and professional interests of over 700 psychiatrists in the Republic and Northern Ireland.
