Earlier this year, the Government decided to ban smoking in the workplace. During the summer, a senior Minister publicly disagreed with the collective decision of the Government and his lead was followed by a Minister of State and several backbenchers. On last night's evidence, it appears that the smoke signals coming from the Fianna Fáil workplace seriously undermine the Government decision. This is happening at a time when the newspapers today are filled with a veritable litany of mismanagement of the public's business and money. I do not know whether this is the ultimate smokescreen devised by Fianna Fáil.
May I ask the Taoiseach a straight question? Who is in charge in this matter? Can I take it that the Government intends to adhere to its decision and introduce this legislation on 1 January 2004, as it announced during the summer, or are we to have a continuous stream of protest and smoke signals giving confusing messages between now and Christmas? Will the Government adhere to its stated decision and is the nation now to be told that this legislation will take effect on 1 January 2004 to put an end to this matter once and for all?