21 Dec 2004

Embargoed: 21st December 2004

The Institute of Public Health welcomes today’s announcement by the Minister for Health, Angela Smith that action should be taken to address second hand smoke in Northern Ireland.

Director of the Institute, Dr Jane Wilde said:

“The Government recognizes that it has a duty to protect employees and the general public from the proven dangers of second hand smoke.  Many health, social, trade and political organizations in Northern Ireland have joined forces to call for smoke free workplaces for some time.

We know that 70% of people in Northern Ireland support completely smoke free public places.  We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live and work in a smoke free environment, including people who work in bars, pubs and clubs.

We need focused and persistent effort, involving partnership with people and organizations in Northern Ireland.  All who recognize the importance of health and quality of life need to work together to make Northern Ireland a tobacco free society.”

Notes to Editors

The Institute of Public Health has been set up to identify and develop practical advantages from building greater co-operation for public health between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.  We work in four areas; policy advice, information surveillance, research and capacity building and our objective is to tackle inequalities in health and improve the health of the public.

For further information contact

Arlene McKay
Information Officer
Institute of Public Health in Ireland
Tel: +44 (28) 90 648494/ 07734 903944
Email: arlene.mckay@publichealth.ie