Fresh Air with P&O Irish Sea

P&O Ferries Irish Sea who operate ferry services between Scotland and Northern Ireland and Liverpool - Dublin will go non smoking on all their vessels from 9th January 2006.

Terry Cairns, Managing Director - P&O Ferries Irish Sea comments "Whilst we have for many years operated a partial non smoking policy dependant on type of ship, there is an overwhelming customer demand for our vessels to be completely non smoking.

This, and impending legislation on either side of the Irish Sea, has encouraged us to introduce our complete non smoking policy across the fleet this month. The comfort and safety of all our customers and staff is very important to us and we know that this full implementation of a smoking ban will further enhance the enjoyment of all travelling with us."

Ends

Notes to Editors:

1. P&O Ferries Irish Sea Fast Ferries have had a complete non smoking policy since their introduction.

2. Currently conventional Scottish Route Superferries have limited smoking areas.

3. All vessels have areas outside of the enclosed passenger accommodation where smoking will be permitted.

4. Scotland is to implement a smoking ban in all enclosed public places from March 26th 2006. Northern Ireland and England have also proposed a similar smoking ban to take force in 2007. The Republic of Ireland has already a Public Places Smoking Ban implemented.