Smokers in Leinster House may at least initially be tempted to ignore the smoking ban and continue puffing in their offices, the Ceann Comhairle, Dr Rory O'Hanlon, has been warned by an Oireachtas committee chairman.
Writing to Dr O'Hanlon, the Oireachtas Joint Services Committee chairman, Mr John Dennehy TD (Fianna Fáil), proposed the creation of a designated smoking area.
His letter followed a meeting of the Oireachtas committee on January 21st which "endorsed the full implementation" of the Minister for Health's ban in bars and restaurants. In it, Mr Dennehy warned that the introduction of the ban would "not necessarily eliminate smoking in the vicinity of locations such as the bars and restaurants".
He went on: "Initially, at least, it may give rise to persons smoking in alternative locations, including in offices and other workplaces.
"Nicotine-loving politicians and staff would particularly feel the ban because Leinster House's bars and restaurants are deep within the bowels of the building.
"They do not have access to an outdoor area such as are typically available to bars and restaurants elsewhere," the Cork North Central TD declared.
He urged Dr O'Hanlon to find a suitable location in the precincts of Leinster House to ensure the "orderly and reasonable" operation of the ban.
The letter left some Committee on Procedures and Privileges members in doubt as to whether Mr Dennehy was proposing a smoking room, which would be a breach of the legislation. "There was never any question of a smoking room. The Oireachtas has to be seen to be giving the lead in this," one senior politician told The Irish Times last night.
Although preparations are still being made, the prohibition on smoking is likely to be strictly enforced inside the gates of Leinster House. A special sub-committee, led by Mr Donie Cassidy TD (Fianna Fáil), will completely ban smoking both inside and outside the building, except in special outside areas.
Leinster House authorities are known to be concerned that groups of people will congregate outside the front door to smoke, which they deem to be unseemly. Therefore, politicians and staff will only be able to smoke in designated, clearly marked areas outside the buildings, sources told The Irish Times.
Meanwhile, Mr Emmet Stagg TD has asked whether any TD or senator could actually be fined for breaking the smoking ban inside Leinster House. Members of the Oireachtas are constitutionally privileged and cannot be arrested whilst carrying out their parliamentary duties, he told the Committee on Procedures and Privileges.