Sir, – Regarding good manners in public spaces (Letters, May 2nd), I have observed an increase in spitting on the footpaths in recent years.
Spitting in public spaces virtually disappeared during the Covid-19 pandemic. This was as a result of clear public health messaging. Likewise during the public health campaign against tuberculosis in the early to mid-20th century, spitting in public was banned, subject to fines and widely condemned.
These health emergencies are in the past, thankfully, however standards of hygiene in public spaces continue to be important. In Singapore, for example, spitting in public is illegal and a first offence is subject to a substantial fine with an escalation on repeat offences.
As far as I can ascertain, spitting in public places in Ireland is covered indirectly under the anti-litter laws. Enforcement appears to be rare and discretionary except in relation to public transport.
RM Block
Surely some modest measures, such as public awareness campaigns with reminders that spitting is a form of littering, could help to reduce this unhygienic, antisocial and unsightly practice. – Yours, etc,
SIOBHÁN dePAOR,
Naas,
Co Kildare.
