Date: 29 March 2005
Location: Dublin

On 29 March 2004, enclosed workplaces became smoke-free by law. The key aim of the smoke-free workplace legislation is to protect third parties, particularly workers, from the harmful effects of exposure to second-hand smoke.

To celebrate the first anniversary of this significant public health measure, the Office of Tobacco Control organised a celebration event which was hosted by Mr Seán Power TD, Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children.

A report entitled Smoke-free Workplaces in Ireland: A One-Year Review was launched at the event and presents a review of the smoke-free legislation in terms of compliance, public support and the health benefits, which are already accruing from the measure.

According to research undertaken by the Office and published in the One-Year Review report, an overwhelming 98% of the Irish public believe that workplaces are healthier since the introduction of the law on 29 March last year. Further details on public support for the measure can be obtained from the press release issued on 28 March and the above report.

A research seminar on the health impacts of smoke-free workplaces in Ireland, chaired by Prof Luke Clancy, Director General, Research Institute for a Tobacco Free Society followed the celebratory event.

Preliminary research findings were presented showing that air quality in Irish pubs has improved dramatically since the introduction of the smoke-free workplace legislation. Further information from this research is outlined in the One Year Review report and press release from 29 March. The studies outlined at the seminar form part of a large body of research being conducted in Ireland to assess the health impact of the smoke-free law.