Frank Feighan (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Lenihan, to the House. I wish to convey my congratulations to the Minister on this groundbreaking initiative which I have supported all along. On 4 March I stated my wish to join the battle against tobacco. This has been one of the most important health challenges faced by the country and the Opposition has lent whatever support it could to the campaign. As someone who although never a smoker had to give up work in a licensed premises because of passive smoking, I welcome the ban.

Senator Glynn pointed out that there have been many naysayers. How opinions have changed over the past month. Most of the naysayers were members of the Government side. Some Ministers spoke through both sides of their mouths saying one time they were for the ban but the next time that they were against it. I found it difficult to believe that on such an emotive and serious issue internal politics could be played within a Government party. It reminds me of the time, many years ago, when a young MP who was brought into the House of Commons asked where the Opposition was. He was shown the Opposition but was told not to worry about it but to worry about his own side because it might stab him from behind. This is what happened to the Minister and I pay tribute to his resolve and determination in ensuring the Bill came to fruition.

The Minister cannot thank some Cabinet Members for their loyalty because they were out to stab him in the back at all times. The Taoiseach may take some credit for the turnaround. I remind the Minister of the saying in politics — the Taoiseach will use it I am sure — "Smart fellow wanted, but not too smart". I congratulate the Minister on the introduction of the ban.

Since the introduction of tobacco more people have died from smoking related illnesses than died in both the First and Second World Wars. The overwhelming medical and scientific consensus is that cigarette smoking causes lung cancer and heart disease. It is also the consensus that between 20% and 30% of non-smokers risk lung cancer from passive smoking. A study carried out by The Economist for the Office of Tobacco Control estimated that smoking related disease and illnesses cost the economy €1 million to €5 million per day.

Apart from the health benefits, the ban makes good business sense. Every day up to 100,000 young people around the world become addicted to tobacco. If current trends continue, 250 million people will die from tobacco-related illnesses. In that context, the legislation is ground-breaking. The Fine Gael Party supports and welcomes it.

The issue of ventilation in pubs should have been addressed. A significant amount of money was spent installing ventilation in pubs to bring about cleaner air. Many publicans spent up to €100,000 on systems which are now worthless. Discussions with vintners may have allowed them to save money in that regard.

Stag parties, weddings and tourist groups may not come to Ireland as a result of the legislation. People may not wish to come south of the Border while others may go north for their weddings or other social events to facilitate smokers. The Government should examine this matter.

The smoking ban may prove to be a bonus for local authorities in the sense that publicans and restaurant owners may be interested in hiring pavements to allow customers to smoke outside. Leasing a 25 m2 area of pavement would cost in the region of €4,250 per year. The extra income for local authorities would be welcome.

I find it hard to believe that one now has to go to a hotel room, nursing home, prison or psychiatric hospital to smoke. I hope the only one I find myself in is a hotel room and I will have to pay for that.

There is also a difficulty in regard to company cars and lorries. The difference between private and company vehicles is not sufficiently clear. Will we have Hiace vans parked outside pubs in order to facilitate smokers? I fear the legislation will give rise to anomalies.

As Senator Glynn rightly said, it is up to everybody to comply. I pay tribute to those in the hospitality industry who fought a tough campaign, but who now, thankfully, have stated they will support the ban. We are a law-abiding society. The general public will enforce the ban. I do not believe there will be a need for many health officers to tell people to stub out their cigarettes.

I welcome this ground-breaking legislation, which I think many countries will follow. As an Opposition Member I will oppose legislation of which I do not approve. On this occasion, I commend the Minister.

I look forward to going out and enjoying myself in a smoke-free environment. Publicans should cut down on Jeyes Fluid. Now the smoke has gone, the smell is apparent.