Madam, - The elected Government's efforts to introduce a smoking ban in workplaces are being thwarted by the Irish Hospitality Industry (what a misnomer) and its well-financed lobby to seek further exemptions.
Perhaps the Government would be better advised to change course and ban smoking everywhere. Use of drugs such as heroin and cocaine is prohibited in all places at all times. Why not add tobacco to this list? It kills far more people.
Such a ban would undoubtedly lead to a huge increase in smuggling; a tenfold increase in fines and/or imprisonment would discourage this.
The loss in excise duty and VAT on cigarettes would be offset by the reduction in hospital costs for the treatment of smoking-induced diseases.
Mr Martin's efforts to be understanding of smokers have been thrown back in his face by the industry. Why not reply with the ultimate sanction? - Yours, etc.,
MICHAEL FINN, Ballina, Killaloe, Co Clare.