§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Privy Seal on 3 April ( WA 142), concerning the Northern Ireland Civil Service and smoking, who is currently carrying out the review on smoking policy; and when the review will be completed. [HL3013]
56WA
§ Lord Williams of MostynThe review of Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) and Northern Ireland Office (NIO) smoking policy is being carried out by an internal review team composed of representatives from personnel branches across the NI departments; the NIO; the NICS Occupational Health Service; the Health & Safety Executive; and representatives from those areas with corporate NICS responsibility for accommodation and personnel policy. The trade unions have been advised of the review and are to be consulted in respect of implementation of a revised smoking policy for the NICS and NIO.
It is anticipated that the implementation plans for a revised smoking policy will be finalised and endorsed by departments in the near future. Following this there will be close consultation with central trade union side in respect of the implementation of a revised smoking policy including timetable; advice to staff and line managers; and support available to staff wishing to give up smoking. It is hoped to have a formal announcement/launch of the new NICS and NIO smoking policy early next year.