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UCF ?– Welcome Minister?’s Statement on Smokefree Legislation in Northern Ireland
By Derval Keenan, 11/28/2005 11:24:24 AM
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The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) wholeheartedly welcomed today?’s announcement by Health Minister Shaun Woodward.
Arlene Spiers, Chief Executive, UCF said, ?“Today?’s landmark decision to introduce smokefree legislation is a major breakthrough in cancer prevention. It will bring significant public health benefits to present and future generations.
?“UCF has been working and campaigning on this issue for over 30 years - this is a very historic day. We are confident today?’s announcement will lead to a reduction in the number of cancers in Northern Ireland and save many lives.
?“Those to benefit most from today?’s announcement are employees within the hospitality sector ?– who are the most heavily exposed workers at present but this will also protect customers, smokers and non-smokers alike.
?“Indeed, a recent study published in the British Medical Journal showed that the health of the Republic?’s bar workers is better protected than their counterparts in Northern Ireland. In the Republic, respiratory symptoms and exposure to cotinine (a by-product of nicotine) have dropped dramatically among non-smoking bar staff since smokefree workplace legislation was introduced in March 2004.?”
Gerry McElwee, Head of Cancer Prevention, UCF said, ?“We are delighted that the Minister has had the courage to make this decision. Mr Woodward has listened to local opinion as expressed by 91% of the population who supported the recent consultation and acted on the will of the Northern Ireland people.
?“The consultation has shown that the Minister will be guaranteed the widespread support of local people as well as employers and employees to oversee the successful implementation of smokefree legislation in Northern Ireland.
?“UCF will provide support to the Minister and to workplaces throughout the legislative and implementation process. We are confident that this will soon become part of everyone?’s normal work and social life.?”
Organisations concerned about the economic impact following the introduction of smokefree workplaces should be assured that all independent research shows that the only economic impact has been positive.
Gerry added, ?“Recent statements by the Irish Hotels Federation show long term benefits from the smoking ban in the Republic of Ireland with increased tourism and an increase in the number of employees in the hospitality sector but most encouragingly it has resulted in a decline in smoking, particularly amongst heavy smokers.
?“This legislation will now allow people in Northern Ireland to work and socialise in clean, healthy, smokefree environments. No one can be in any doubt that exposure to and inhalation of secondhand tobacco smoke is a cause of cancer, heart disease and respiratory disease.?”
?“Smokefree workplaces will undoubtedly contribute to a healthier society, however with almost a quarter of our population addicted to nicotine, much remains to be done to achieve a tobacco free society. Our work continues and UCF will continue to lobby for comprehensive tobacco control policies to be implemented.?”
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Pauline Wylie, PR Manager ?– 028 9049 2007 / 07810 371118
Derval Keenan, PR Officer ?– 028 9049 2007 / 07812 525531
Gerry McElwee, Head of Cancer Prevention ?– 028 9049 2007 / 07880 504577
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