The Institute of Public Health, funded by the Department of Health and Social Services and Public Safety in Northern Ireland and the Department of Health and Children in the Republic of Ireland, was established in 1999 to promote co-operation for public health on the island of Ireland. 

The remit includes: 

- providing public health information and surveillance; 

- strengthening public health capacity; 

- advising on policy. 

The Institute of Public Health welcomes the current consultation on smoking in enclosed workplaces and public places. Having considered the three options given the Institute strongly supports option 5c – “a total ban on smoking in all enclosed workplaces and public places”. 

Outlined below are the key facts about smoking and issues surrounding legislation to ban smoking in enclosed public places and workplaces. This clearly outlines that a total ban on smoking in all enclosed public places and workplaces is the only option which will adequately protect the health of all workers and contribute to reducing the prevalence of smoking in the population of Northern Ireland. 

As an organisation set up to promote North South co-operation we believe that a similar approach to smoking in public places and workplaces should be taken to that in the Republic of Ireland where there is clear evidence that such policies are practical, well supported and effective.