Government Ministers and backbenchers who oppose the introduction of the smoking ban in restaurants and bars were criticised in the Dáil last night for failing to oppose the enabling legislation when it was going through the Dáil and Seanad.
The Independent TD and medical consultant, Dr Liam Twomey, said that the Public Health (Tobacco) Act which allows for the introduction of the ban was passed "totally unopposed" and "without a vote" by both the Seanad and the Oireachtas last year.
He was "surprised" at the fact that the Bill was now so contentious when it was passed unanimously at all stages after it was first published in July 2001 and passed in March last year.
Dr Twomey, who raised the issue on the adjournment, said the controversy now was a "smokescreen" and it was time to give the legislation a chance. He said the only possible scope was in small family-run pubs for a compromise but not in pubs with employees.
He said there were too many cases of cancer and lung-related diseases. He said that complaining TDs should visit the wards of hospitals treating patients affected by smoking. He had reservations about the legislation when it was introduced on the grounds that it was developing a "nanny state" but there was no issue now. It was the law and had to be implemented.
The Minister of State for Health, Mr Tim O'Malley, confirmed that the ban would be introduced "during January 2004 and it is not proposed to make any changes in relation to this particular matter".
