Smoking should be restricted in public houses to protect passive smokers according to Fine Gael’s spokesman on Health, Mr Gay Mitchell.
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Mr Mitchell was responding to Department of Health statistics, given to the Oireachtas Sub Committee on Health and Children, that show 7,000 people die of smoking-related illness each year.
"In light of this shocking statistic, one has to ask why there is not one hospital consultant in the health service to deal specifically with smoking-related illnesses," he said.
New legislation expected to prohibit the sale of cigarettes in packs of less than 20 and the introduction of a register of tobacco retail outlets is expected before the Dail soon. Mr Mitchell has suggested that a restriction on smoking in pubs could be added to the legislation.
The Vintners' Federation of Ireland (VFI) say they are responding to the problem of passive smoking in pubs by introducing the 'Pub Air' initiative - a programme to improve air quality in pubs through better ventilation - and are working with health boards in promoting non-smoking areas.
"The VFI is extremely conscious of striking a balance between the 50 per cent of smokers and 50 per cent of non-smokers who frequent our pubs," said Mr Richard Dunne, VFI president at its recent annual general meeting.
"Improved air quality is not just good for customers and staffn it makes good business sense and the the VFI is encouraging all members to make clean air a priority for their businesses in the short to medium term," he added.
Yesterday, the sub committee heard from respiratory consultant Prof Luke Clancy, who said that half of all patients at St James’s Hospital in Dublin were suffering from ailments linked to smoking.
Mr Clancy said this was an estimate but would be reflective of most major hospitals around the country.
Prof Clancy said there was no clear strategy for tackling the problem and claimed there was a lack of resources because the disease primarily affected the poor and the elderly.