‘No smoking’ trial at S.E. Health Board

December 1978

Members of the S.E. Health Board agreed to refrain from smoking during their meeting last week when one of their number, Mrs K. Bulbulia ( Waterford), stated that they should be giving a good example to the remainder of the community.

Normally S.E. Health Board meetings are like other meetings of bodies such as Wexford Co. Council and Wexford Corportation in that they are conducted under a cloud of smoke as many members puff their way through proceedings. Last week’s meeting was very different however as not a single cigarettte, pipe, or cigar was lit after Ms Bulbulia made her suggestion after some 20 minutes of proceedings. It was noticeable however that more members than normal excused themselves for a ‘ toilet’ break as the meeting went on, and that most of these were the known smokers on the board.

Ms Bulbulia’s suggestion came after a discussion on tobacco and the new restrictions on tobacco advertising that will come into force in the new year.

She said it was a source of wonder to her that given that all on the Board were committed to health issues, that so many of them should smoke and that smoking be allowed at meetings. She suggested a ‘no smoking’ rule and after some debate, it was agreed to trial it for the remainder of last week’s meeting.

It is not yet known whether or not smoking will be allowed resume at the January meeting.