The Junior Health minister says he does not regret calling for a relaxation of the smoking ban.
Finian Mc Grath says he would like to see more facilities in bars and restaurants for smokers.
The Irish Cancer Society has described his remarks as unhelpful and irresponsible.
@Finianmcgrathtd's comments unhelpful & irresponsible at time when working to make Ireland tobacco-free by 2025: https://t.co/86eiNljjGw
— Irish Cancer Society (@IrishCancerSoc) May 16, 2016
The Government wants to make Ireland smoke free by 2025, and Minister McGrath says he will support that policy.
But he insisted he is entitled to articulate his private views on smoking.
