Ireland smoke ban - 1 year on

Poll shows 98% of us believe Irish workplaces are healthier as a result of the smoke-free law

According to research released today (Monday, 28 March 2005) by the Office of Tobacco Control (OTC), an overwhelming 98% of the Irish public believe that workplaces are healthier since the introduction of the smoke-free workplace law on March 29 last year.

The research, conducted by independent research company, TNS mrbi, in March 2005, clearly shows that support for the law is extremely high among both smokers and non-smokers:

• 93% of people think the introduction of the law was a good idea, including 80% of smokers;
• 96% of people believe the law is successful, including 89% of smokers;
• 98% of people feel that workplaces are healthier since the introduction of the law including 94% of smokers.

Welcoming the results of the research, Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Seán Power TD said, “The Irish public’s overwhelming acceptance of this historic public health measure sends a very clear message to legislators around the world who are considering the introduction of similar smoke-free workplace legislation; not alone is it very possible to implement such legislation but citizens fundamentally accept its validity and necessity in order to protect their health.”

Link: www.otc.ie/article.asp?article=267