Madam, - Now that the date has been set for the ban on smoking in the workplace, it is disappointing that Mr Tadgh O'Sullivan and the Vintners' Federation of Ireland continue to try and foist expensive, unproven ventilation technology on their members in order to deal with passive smoke. No credible independent scientific authority anywhere in the world has endorsed ventilation as a means of eliminating the health hazards associated with passive smoke.
It might be easier for the public, politicians and publicans to understand why Mr O'Sullivan and the VFI pursue the ventilation option if they were told that their PubAir campaign is sponsored by the tobacco industry. It would also be more honest. - Yours, etc.,
Dr FENTON HOWELL,
St Mary's Villas,
Drogheda.
Madam, - In announcing the commencement date for the workplace-smoking ban, has Minister Martin fully thought the matter out?
Not a word have I heard about what must be one of the most important aspects of its implementation - namely, the decommissioning of ashtrays.
Will the Minister confirm that he intends to set up an independent body (with appropriate powers of search and seizure) to supervise the disposal of these soon-to-be-redundant objects? Following State-wide collection of tens of thousands of them from pubs, restaurants and offices, they could perhaps be displayed on the plinth at Leinster House where he, and we, would see tangible evidence that they have permanently been put beyond further use.
Some should, of course, be retained by the National Museum for the enlightenment of future generations. - Yours, etc.,
BRIAN GAFFNEY,
Strawberry Beds,
Dublin 20.