Ned O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 142: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if smoking by patients is permitted in geriatric-type hospitals in a designated smoking room; and if her attention has been drawn to the fact that concerns have been raised by patients in a geriatric hospital where such smoking is no longer permitted. [8106/05]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The smoke free workplaces measures apply, with limited exceptions, to all enclosed places of work. The exemptions are specified in the Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Act 2004 and where a hospital, as referred to by the Deputy, meets the requirements so specified an exemption will apply. A decision to allow the smoking of tobacco products in exempted premises is a matter for the management of the premises concerned. However, the fact that a premises is exempted does not confer a right to smoke in that location and neither does it affect the duty of care an employer has in respect of his or her employees.