Speaking during an Assembly debate on the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, the Minister said that he had listened carefully to a wide range of opinions on this issue but felt that performers smoking on stage would undermine the smoke-free legislation.
He said: “Smoke-free legislation was introduced with the primary aim of protecting the public health. I sympathise with performers who wish to retain the artistic integrity of their productions. However, I have also had to take account of the concerns made to me about health professionals and others.
“In my view actual smoking is not essential to protect the integrity of a particular performance. Even if this were the case, I do not believe it outweighs the public health argument. I am therefore minded to bring forward an amendment to the Bill withdrawing Clause 15.”
The main provisions of the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill will:
- Extend the powers of health and social services boards to suspend a practitioner when concerns are raised over inappropriate personal or professional conduct;
- Enable boards to allow practitioners, including locums, deputies and employees, to practise as long as they are bound by specific conditions; and
- Allow implementation of a new contract for the provision of dental services
Mr McGimpsey said: “I believe that this Bill provides the opportunity to strengthen further the quality of primary care services in Northern Ireland. It introduces a number of measures which will enhance patient safety, improve dental services and will also mean that Northern Ireland is not lagging behind the rest of the UK.”
Notes to Editors:
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