Smoking Ban

**Declan_Michael** · 29/03/2004, 3:25 PM

Stroke of genius by the government. Hope UK & Europe follows this lead

**tetsujin1979** · 29/03/2004, 3:36 PM

Think it was mentioned in the Indepdendent at the weekend the British government was looking into the idea, but were afraid of a backlash from the tobacco companies

**Dricky** · 29/03/2004, 3:54 PM

Originally Posted by tetsujin1979

Think it was mentioned in the Indepdendent at the weekend the British government was looking into the idea, but were afraid of a backlash from the tobacco companies

They don't believe it over here, Ireland has the second strongest non smoking lays in the world , some kingdom in Nepal bans tobacco.

**brendy_�ire** · 29/03/2004, 4:08 PM

Driving through Bridgend in Donegal deday, seen 2 oul women standing outside a pub smoking their fags. Ah yes, it's here.

**pete** · 29/03/2004, 4:56 PM

Originally Posted by tetsujin1979

Think it was mentioned in the Indepdendent at the weekend the British government was looking into the idea, but were afraid of a backlash from the tobacco companies

We made it as a country now then.

p.s. could be the making of Mickey Martins political career.

**Footie_Fan** · 29/03/2004, 6:46 PM

While I agree with the smoking ban, I read today that he is going to increase the tax on drink. Since it's already so highly taxed (must be the highest in Europe) he should have coped on that taxing it even more isn't going to stop people drinking but just stop kids getting their money for their football, swimming etc from their parents. More tax on drink will drive Fianna Fail out for sure.

**Gary** · 29/03/2004, 6:57 PM

10 cans of good lager in Ireland - �20+

10 cans of good lager in Germany - �6

Somethings a bit wrong there me thinks.

This smoking ban is one of the most positive things that this government has done. It showed genuine fore thought and bravery. A further tax increase will only serve to cancel out all the goodwill received after the ban.

**Footie_Fan** · 29/03/2004, 7:07 PM

I got a crate (24 cans) in Austria for �8. Skol it was called, the local stuff and it tasted the exact same as Bud. That would be the guts of �50 here.

**the scout** · 29/03/2004, 8:37 PM

i thinks its brilliant that you can go home from work now not wreaking of cigarette odours.and your lungs not involuntarily polluted with the stuff.well done mickey

**noby** · 30/03/2004, 7:34 AM

Originally Posted by Gary

A further tax increase will only serve to cancel out all the goodwill received after the ban.

But if people quit smoking, the loss of revenue has to be raised somewhere

**Macy** · 30/03/2004, 8:59 AM

Great political move by Martin, I have to give him that. Minister for Health, and he manages to get everybody thinking how great he is when the health service is in a disgraceful state. I knew it was bad, but recent experience (and cost of going private due to the ridiculous waiting list time for something that it is extremely important to catch as early as possible), has shown what an astute move it is. Not for the plaudits for the ban, but for the shift in emphasis away from all the rest of his responsibilties.

FF OUT NOW!

**tiktok** · 30/03/2004, 9:15 AM

while I agree that it's created a bit of a blind spot with regard to other problems wihtin the health service (e.g. the child who passed away before an operation could be performed due to a lack of staff just last week) I do think that the smoking ban and the points system for that matter are both very positive actions that the current government have taken.

I actually wrote Bertie a letter to point that out, Gods only knows when he'll get it

**Macy** · 30/03/2004, 9:47 AM

Originally Posted by tiktok

the points system for that matter are both very positive actions that the current government have taken.

The points system is good in theory. Unfortunately it's just a money making racket. How many speed cheques do you see on the country roads where the majority of road deaths take place when compared to them being on motorway bridges where sod all accidents happen? IMO the money spent on the points system, and the computer system to implement it (if it ever happens, and it must be way out of date by now) would've been better spent increasing the number of driving tester's, to get the people who are on provisional licences off the road (by way of implementing the law). It's ridiculous that someone who fails their test, can drive themselves home.

**crc** · 30/03/2004, 3:10 PM

Originally Posted by Macy

How many speed cheques do you see

is that a pun, or just ban spelling?

**Schumi** · 30/03/2004, 3:20 PM

Originally Posted by crc

is that a pun, or just ban spelling?

How about that?

**pete** · 30/03/2004, 3:22 PM

[QUOTE=Macy]The points system is good in theory. Unfortunately it's just a money making racket. How many speed cheques do you see on the country roads where the majority of road deaths take place when compared to them being on motorway bridges where sod all accidents happen? [\QUOTE]

It only took them 6-7 years minimum to implement "The Penalty Points" as FF have been promising at least since 1997. They still not "pooterised" & only a couple of offences can get you points so far.

Some idiotic in tipp was first to get banned for 12 points last week for 6 separate offences. IMO he clearly too stupid to drive if caught like that & should be abnned for life.

**Macy** · 30/03/2004, 3:23 PM

Must be working in accounts - just a spelling mistake that slipped by my radar...

**A face** · 30/03/2004, 3:24 PM

Originally Posted by Macy

he manages to get everybody thinking how great he is when the health service is in a disgraceful state. ............. the shift in emphasis away from all the rest of his responsibilties. FF OUT NOW!

I have to agree here ..... He bit the bullet one this one but is that all he is going to do .... We wont see the effects of the ban fully for another 20-40 years time. The heallth system was in tatters a few months ago and the ban have glossed over all of that .... but the problems still remain if the haven't got worse. He can bet your bottom dollar they haven't improved because he wouldn't have missed the chance to tell us all how great he is if he had resolved any major problems.

FF OUT NOW .... for their own sake, it might be the kick in the rear they need to get back on track or at least in the right direction. The country is a mess.

**eoinh** · 30/03/2004, 3:30 PM

Originally Posted by noby

But if people quit smoking, the loss of revenue has to be raised somewhere

err.... i think you'll find they more than make up the revenue in having to deal less with the side effects of passive smoking.

also the saving of 150 bar-workers lives each year is something to be applauded too.

**Macy** · 30/03/2004, 3:40 PM

Originally Posted by eoinh

err.... i think you'll find they more than make up the revenue in having to deal less with the side effects of passive smoking.

also the saving of 150 bar-workers lives each year is something to be applauded too.

But even if the (btw unproven) benefits of people not passive smoking will be years down the line. If everyone gave up tomorrow then the countries finances would be f�cked. Hence why they don't ban it outright, or make them �20 a pack.

btw I'm pushing for a ban on enclosed car parks, any road tunnels, car ferries - any enclosed places where people are forced to breath other peoples car fumes. Infact, it's state sponsored with the NCT test centres...