John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)

When the decision on the smoking ban was being made, I asked Tourism Ireland's officials throughout the world to report on the likely effect of the ban on tourism numbers. The response I received was the effect would be negligible. It was argued that the smoking ban would help to increase the number of visitors coming to the country from the United States. I understand that Norway followed Ireland by introducing a smoking ban today. A precedent has been set that will be followed in other countries, including countries that will be in competition with Ireland for conferences.

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