A study by the Office of Tobacco Control has found that 97% of premises inspected under the smoke-free workplace legislation have been found to be compliant with the law.
The Minister for Health and Children, Micheál Martin, said the successful introduction of the new measure reflected the widespread public support and goodwill that existed for a healthy smoke-free environment in the workplace.
According to a new report by The Office of Tobacco Control, the research also indicates an 87% compliance rate with requirements for 'No Smoking' signage.
The new report comprises of data from the National Tobacco Control Inspection programme, the smoke-free workplace compliance line and market research is based on the first month of operation of the new law.
The research shows compliance with the law, with nearly all premises inspected under the legislation, in other words, no one found smoking and no evidence of smoking in contravention of the law.
Despite initial beliefs that there could be a reduction in the numbers visiting pubs and restaurants, the report indicates that more non-smokers have been going out after the ban, while figures for smokers remain the same.
But one of the most surprising facts of the survey is that almost one in five smokers now choose not to smoke at all when out socialising.
The report coincides with the World Health Organisation's World No Tobacco Day, with the UN's health agency claiming the world's poorest people are suffering the biggest burden of tobacco use.
The WHO points to developing countries and the growing tobacco epidemic, and calls for more countries to sign the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
That treaty requires countries to ban or impose tough restrictions on tobacco advertising, sponsorship and promotion.
The results of the Irish survey bode well for Norway which is tomorrow adopting a similar ban on smoking in bars and restaurants.
