Representatives of the hospitality sector, supported by the tobacco industry, are attempting to block the Coalition Government's decision to ban smoking in pubs, restaurants and nightclubs from January 1st next.
Their motivation is purely financial. The slick tactics, devised by a public relations firm, speak of phasing in change, of limited "no smoking" areas and of extensive job losses. Delay, obfuscation and scaremongering are the objectives. The real issue: that an estimated 7,000 Irish citizens die annually from tobacco-related illnesses, while tens of thousands are incapacitated, is ignored.
The protection of public health is the Government's motivation. And there are financial savings to be made. At a time when medical costs are accelerating, the Minister for Health, Mr Martin, is faced by a situation where, in winter-time, 50 per cent of hospital beds are taken up by patients suffering from tobacco-related illnesses. A dramatic reduction in tobacco use would have long-term implications for our health services. And it would add immeasurably to the quality of life of both young and old.
The suggestion that a ban on smoking was somehow sprung on the hospitality sector is ludicrous. Some 15 years ago, the then minister for health, Mr Barry Desmond, introduced a partial ban on smoking in restaurants. It was to have been the start of a new health initiative. But powerful vested interests ensured there was no follow-up until Mr Martin promised "radical anti-smoking legislation" three years ago. Vintners are now suggesting the system that failed in restaurants should be introduced into pubs. But the evidence is there to show that partial bans do not work.
There is also incontrovertible evidence that passive smoking causes serious damage to health. Research has shown that 30 minutes of passive smoking has the same effect on the heart as consuming 20 cigarettes. And reports by the Medical Correspondent of this newspaper, Dr Muiris Houston, from a major health conference in Helsinki, last week, spelled out in gruesome detail the damage done by tobacco products. If addicted individuals wish to smoke, that is their decision. But their indulgence should not be allowed to jeopardise the health of others. Trade unions representing workers in the hospitality sector fully support the proposed ban. And they reject the notion that up to 65,000 jobs could be lost, as has been suggested by the Irish Hospitality Alliance.
Efforts to frustrate the Minister for Health are also under way within the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party, where Mr Noel Davern has claimed support from 50 members for a more moderate approach. In spite of a Cabinet decision favouring the introduction of a total ban from January 1st, two Government Ministers - Mr Cullen and Mr Walsh - made public their reservations. Yesterday, two other Ministers - Mr Smith and Mr Dempsey - supported the ban. The Taoiseach should get a grip. This is, as Mr Martin said, one of the most important health challenges we face. It should not involve fumbling in a greasy till.