Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees
Thursday, 15 November 2012
Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children
Prohibition of Smoking on Leinster House Campus: Motion
9:35 am
Jillian van Turnhout (Independent)
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Senator Crown makes some very compelling arguments and it is difficult to express one's hesitancy on the motion. As previous speakers have said, we share the working environment with many other people. I am hesitant about Members taking a decision without consultation with staff, a point put forward by Deputy Ó Caoláin. Traditionally before a ban is instigated, there is a public health and awareness raising process. I have a difficulty with the committee moving to immediately ban smoking in the Leinster House complex without taking other steps in the lead-up to the ban. My understanding is that there are two allocated spaces for smokers.