Ireland’s workplace smoking ban – the first initiative of its kind in the world – saved more than 3,700 lives in just under four years after it was first rolled out in 2004, according to campaigners who gathered with Tánaiste Micheál Martin to mark its 20th anniversary in March.
The Tánaiste, who had pushed through the smoking ban legislation during his tenure as Minister for Health in 2004, was joined at Government buildings by representatives from organisations involved in its initiation – Irish Heart Foundation, ASH Council, Irish Cancer Society, Environmental Health Association of Ireland, Office of Tobacco Control, Tobacco Free Research Institute and the HSE.
Speaking at the official 20th anniversary of the ban on 29 March, the Tánaiste said the landmark public health measure, which outlawed smoking in all workplaces, including pubs and restaurants, represented one of the “most memorable and significant moments” of his political career.
“At the time, there was huge opposition to the smoking ban and doubts over whether it would ever succeed, particularly in our hospitality industry. The decision sparked ferocious debate in what was the first real discussion on public health in Ireland.
“Shortly after its introduction, it came to be viewed as an important protective measure for the health of workers in every sector., and it was clear that the public wanted it. Despite its success, we cannot allow ourselves to become complacent when it comes to the war on smoking. Tobacco, along with the new threat of vaping, continue to cause huge damage to people in this country.”
Dr Chris Macey, Director of Advocacy and Patient Support with the Irish Heart Foundation, described the ban as one of the most important pieces of legislation ever introduced.
“It is estimated that the ban resulted in an immediate 26% reduction in ischaemic heart disease and a 32% drop in stroke cases. As countries across the world followed suit, the lifesaving impact of the law is beyond measure.”
