A new survey commissioned by the Department of Health finds 82 per cent public support for the ban on smoking in the workplace
The survey of 1,000 people was carried out recently by Lansdowne Market Research. It comes about four months since the introduction of the anti-smoking legislation.
The figures, released today, show 95 per cent of those surveyed believe the legislation is a positive health measure while 70 per cent said it improved their experience in pubs and 78 per cent said it improved their experience in restaurants.
Over half of those surveyed (53 per cent) indicated that they would be more inclined to eat in a pub since March 29th.
The survey found that 90 per cent agreed that going smoke-free is of benefit to workers while 82 per cent agreed it benefits everyone in public places.
The Minister for Health and Children, Mr Martin, has welcomed the results, saying "the figures confirm the continued strong public support for working and socialising in smoke-free environments.
"There are still those who are trying to discredit what is commonly known as the smoking ban, but this negative approach has not affected the positive views of most people on this important public health issue." he added.
The anti-smoking lobby group ASH has also welcomed the results. Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Irelandtoday, spokesperson Dr Fenton Howell said: "The results prove the ban is a positive health measure and not about economics or if sales go up or down."
He disagreed that it has had a negative impact on sales: "There has been a decline in sales for about three years - CSO figures show that people are changing lifestyles."
Mr Howell called on publicans to support ASH in lobbying the Government to support smokers who wish to quit.