A ban on smoking in Irish pubs and restaurants due to be brought in from January is unrealistic and should be reviewed, a former Government minister claimed today.
Former minister of state for agriculture, Mr Noel Davern urged the Minister for Health Mr Martin to introduce the ban over a two-year period rather than make it effective from January 1st next year.
"People are beginning to realise how serious this is for the public who take a smoke and take a drink," Mr Davern said.
"It is just cold turkey from the 1st of January which is far too severe, too sharp, too quick and too much at one time," the Tipperary TD continued.
He said a motion would be tabled in the Dáil after it resumes in September, asking the Minister to agree to a compromise. However, Mr Davern said he had spoken to the minister on the subject but that he was "not for listening".
"The reality is that nobody has tried to enforce this on me in 43 years I am smoking ... Suddenly they are telling me you can't do this from the 1st of January on.
"Now that is unrealistic and it is too severe."
The smoking ban affects all places of work and as a consequence prevents publicans, restaurateurs and hoteliers from allowing their staff be exposed to patrons' smoke.
The move has met outrage from many publicans who claim it is unworkable. Some have said they may introduce outdoor seating areas in a bid to get around the ban.
PA