The Taoiseach has confirmed in the Dail that the proposed workplace smoking ban will go ahead as planned next January.
Responding to a question from the Fine Gael leader, Mr Enda Kenny, Mr Ahern said: "From January 2004 smoking will be prohibited in the workplace."
"The primary purpose of the prohibition is to protect workers and thepublic from exposure to harmful toxic environmental tobacco smoke."
Last night, two Ministers of State emerged among Fianna Fáil TDs opposed to the plans of the Minister for Health, Mr Martin, to ban smoking in pubs and restaurants.
The smoking ban, due to come into force in January, yesterday dominated nearly two hours of debate at the weekly Fianna Fáil parliamentary party meeting.
However, Mr Martin rejected all calls for a rowback and insisted that the Government had no option but to go ahead with the ban. During a long meeting of Fianna Fáil TDs and senators, more than 20 of them spoke strongly in favour of a compromise formula.