Doctor fails to get smoking ban at NEHB

March 1977

A doctor, and member of the health board, fails to get a motion passed ‘ that there be no smoking during health board meetings.’

Dr. Patrick Cusack, Monaghan county hospital, points out the harmful effects of smoking on a person’s health, and says that, in a confined space, un-inhaled smoke is more dangerous to the non-smoker than to the smokers themselves.

He adds that as Ash Wednesday is designated ‘national no smoking day’ by the health bureau, this is a wonderful opportunity to set a good example to the general public.

The motion is seconded by Dr. B. J. O’Sullivan, child specialist attached to the Lourdes hospital, who talks of the damage caused to unborn children by parents who smoke.

It is also supported by Eddie Filgate, chairman of the Louth local health committee.

He feels ‘no smoking’ signs should be displayed in rooms where meetings are held.

While most speakers support Dr. Cusack, many feel there should be no compulsion (not to smoke), some thinking this will do more harm than good.

After a lengthy debate, chairman, Joe Farrell TD, says it should be left to the members to decide for themselves, and this suggestion, when put to the meeting, is supported by seventeen of the 27 members present.

Following this decision, Dr. Cusack is heard remark, ‘We have disgraced ourselves again.’

It is noted that while quite a few of the health board members are smoking at the start of the meeting, none smoke again, after hearing Dr. Cusack’s submission.