Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)

Senator Browne indicated that he was never a smoker. I am a former smoker and I am not that different from many other former smokers in that when I decided to give up cigarette smoking, I did not do so on my first attempt. It takes a number of attempts and it is quite difficult for those who are addicted. Giving up smoking is quite a difficult process and there are many failures. However, this Bill is not only about giving up smoking; it is about the quality of the environment in the workplace. We are not asking people to cut off their fingers to stop smoking. We are saying people should be able to go to work and enjoy their work in unpolluted, environmentally friendly circumstances. If that leads to more people kicking the habit, it will be tremendous. Supports are in place to assist people who need to kick the habit.

My constituency colleague, Senator McDowell, asked if the 14 sections were ever commenced. The 14 sections are being re-enacted on legal advice to ensure they can be enforced. The fact they were not originally notified cast doubt on their enforceability. That is the information I have.