Madam, - The smoking ban is still being discussed in terms of whether or not passive smoking actually damages people's health. This is no longer relevant. The ban is in place.
The pertinent point is that both smokers and non-smokers have rights. The important factors are:
1. Non-smokers are entitled to eat, drink and work without being affected by other people's smoke.
2. Staff have exactly the same rights.
3. Smokers have the right to smoke in peace and comfort, providing they are not affecting non-smokers or staff.
The obvious answer is to allow pubs and other places to supply a completely separate, air-conditioned indoor area which is designated a self-service smoking room. You go to the bar, buy your drink and take it there. Non-smokers are not affected and staff go there only to clear the ashtrays the following morning. This is already allowed for in the legislation in respect of hotel bedrooms.
Ireland is correctly careful in respecting the rights of even the smallest minorities. Yet the rights and civil liberties of a 28 per cent minority - over a million people - are being ignored. Smokers, to their credit, have observed the law. But if the Government thinks this means they like or accept it as fair, then it is being extremely naïve and will answer for it in due course. - Yours, etc.,
GERRY O'SHAUGHNESSY, Carysfort Avenue, Blackrock, Co Dublin.