Plan to ban smoking in pubs

Madam, - As a health worker, I fully support the planned new regulations on smoking

Madam, - As a health worker, I fully support the planned new regulations on smoking. We know that the single biggest contributing factor to heart and lung disease, cancer and many other debilitating conditions is smoking tobacco. We know that smoking is an addition and the smoker is an addict. We know that less well-off suffer most.

The Minister must be commended for his commitment and determination to see that this ban is implemented. However, the Government - and in particular the Minister for Health - have a "duty of care" to assist all those who try to adhere to the new regulations.

I suggest that the following supports be put in place before the new regulations are implemented.

1. Nicotine substitutes should be made available at reasonable prices by removing the VAT. They should also be included in the drugs subsidy scheme.

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3. Tax relief should be available on the costs of attending a registered anti-smoking programme.

4. A smoking cessation service should be available at all health clinics and hospitals.

5. A help line should be set up to assist those suffering difficulties in kicking the weed.

A smoking cessation programme for patients at this hospital, which has been in operation for years, has proved to be very helpful. Finally, we should be sympathetic and encouraging to those smokers who are making every effort to rid themselves of this addiction and - protective of our own and others' health when we are being infected by those who insist wrongly that smoking is a civil right. - Yours, etc.,

TOMMY MORRIS, Senior Medical Social Worker, Peamount Hospital, Newcastle, Co Dublin.