Europe's top lung specialists will today present the Minister for Health, Mr Martin, an award in recognition of his part in banning workplace smoking. Mr Martin will fly to Glasgow today to receive the honour form Prof WalterMcNicholas, president of the European Respiratory Society (ERS).
"The decision by the Irish Government to introduce legislation which banned smoking in the workplace was due to the energy and commitment of Micheál Martin," said Prof McNicholas.
"While we recognise the impact of the ban will not be seen for a number of years, its significance cannot be ignored.
"In time we expect to see a drastic decline in the number of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder) cases in Ireland."
PA
