Frank Feighan (Fine Gael)

Although I was never a smoker, I found my health deteriorating, which was one of the reasons I left the pub. After five years working there I knew that it was not the work that would kill me but the people who smoked. One could not tell people at the time that they could not smoke in a pub because we were told that it was part of the atmosphere and ambience. Therefore, I welcome the Government's attack on smoking in public places, bars and restaurants. One would not have the nerve to tell a customer to stop smoking. I genuinely believe that because I finished working in the pub at that time and I am no longer a passive smoker in such an environment I am much healthier.

Young girls are a key target of anti-smoking initiatives. Such initiatives which target young people must continue because it is considered modern for young people to smoke. I attended a conference recently and it is worth noting that since its introduction several hundred years ago more people have died from tobacco related illnesses, which include cancer, than in the Second World War. That was a stark message, which indicated that smoking and its effects had to be targeted.

Cancer is one of the most emotive issues. There are few people who have not been touched by the effects of the disease within their own or extended families. I want to deal with the issue in a sensitive and compassionate way. Hard questions must be asked of those whose responsibility it is to deal with and provide resources for best practice in this area.