James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 159: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the recent call from an organisation (details supplied) for smoking to be banned in cars which carry children under 16 years of age, in view of the fact that pollution from such smoking is 11 times greater than the pollution and level of intoxicants from cigarettes in pubs which initiated the original smoking ban; if she will further report on the recent call for the legislation to apply to psychiatric institutions which are also places of work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15079/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The harmful effects of exposure to cigarette smoke are well known as is the fact that such exposure is particularly dangerous in enclosed spaces (including motor cars). Parents and others with responsibility for the welfare of children have a particular responsibility to ensure that such exposure does not take place. While I have no proposals to introduce a ban on smoking in cars in which children under 16 years of age are being transported I will keep the matter under review. Although exemptions apply in psychiatric institutions which are also places of work, it should be noted that an exemption does not constitute a right to smoke, and employers are still bound by a duty of care under Health & Safety legislation to protect their employees. Employers and managers with responsibility for exempted premises are advised to review their policies with a view to eliminating exposure where possible and, at the very least, to minimise exposure to environmental health smoke.