Smokers could soon be outlawed from lighting up in outdoor public spaces

Smokers could soon be outlawed from lighting up in outdoor public spaces like beaches and parks.

The latest report from the Department of Health's Tobacco-Free Ireland section, outlines plans to promote a smoking ban in conjunction with local authorities.

According to the Irish Independent that could involve voluntary measures but also by-laws banning smoking.

But former Minister of State for Disability Issues Finian McGrath, thinks the Department of Health should be focusing on bigger problems in the health service: