Posted By Conn The Regulations will take effect in the Republic of ireland (South). There is great co-operation between the HSA and the Northern Ireland Agency and the discussion goes on. I had always argued when I was an Inspector that smoking was not legal in the workplace (although it was not introduced into the workplace by the employer). Any employer is entitled under the present legislation to prohibit smoking in the workplace but a Regulation would help them to do so. There are certain workplaces such as Mines and Petrochemical works etc. where smoking could not be alowed. I have nt found much info. on http://www.hsa.ie/ but no doubt it will appear eventually.