The decision by the Minister for Health, Mr Martin, to ban smoking in all pubs and restaurants from next January will go ahead, despite the opposition of a number of Ministers, writes Mark Hennessy, Political Correspondent.
Last night, a Government spokesman said: "The Government is committed to implementing this law and to do everything we can to assist people in its implementation."
However, it is clear that the Minister for Agriculture, Mr Walsh, who warned against the move last Friday, is not alone in the Cabinet. "All of the Ministers have had their ears bent about this," said one source.
The pubs and restaurants ban, which is supported by unions representing bar workers, is to be introduced as part of a general outlawing of smoking in all workplaces.
Opposition to the move is expected to resurface inside the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party in September, once the Dáil resumes, according to FF Tipperary South TD Mr Noel Davern.
"I have had about 300 letters on this. We did not go at Michéal Martin up to now because of his particular problems in health, but there is room for a compromise," he told The Irish Times.
Smoking could be allowed in public bars, but banned in the lounges, while smaller premises could introduce better ventilation systems and keep some parts available for smokers, he believed.
Despite the opposition of Minister Walsh, the Minister for Health remains determined to go ahead. "He remains of the same mind. Nothing has changed," said his spokesperson yesterday.
Last night, Government sources admitted that there is concern about adverse reaction from smokers. "However, there is a lot of support for it as well. That has to be said," one source said.
The Irish Cancer Society expressed "extreme disappointment" at Minister Walsh's remarks, which were expressed at the opening of an extension to the Beamish & Crawford brewery in Cork on Friday.
Mr Walsh, who accepted arguments that a ban will damage the pub trade, had spoken "largely on behalf of the drinks industry", said the anti-smoking organisation.
Existing ventilation in pubs and restaurants failed adequately to protect bar staff, even though newer ventilation technologies cut smoke levels by 90 per cent, said the society.
"This would still mean exposure levels 1,500 to 2,500 times the acceptable risk level. Experience from other countries has also shown that concerns regarding job losses are groundless," it went on.
The society congratulated the Department of Health and Children on its "progressive approach". "All Irish people should be proud that Ireland is the first EU member state to adopt this stance in order to save lives."
Describing the ban as the "most pro-active initiative" in years, the society said the British Medical Association had just called upon the British Department of Health to follow the Irish lead.
Meanwhile, Labour TD Ms Liz McManus urged the Minister for Health "to hold the line", saying that there was broad cross-party support for the introduction of the ban on January 1st.
"If the Taoiseach is committed to the stated policy of the Government in this regard, surely it is time for him to crack the whip and call in Minister Walsh and the other dissidents into line," she said.