Smoking restrictions have been introduced in Ireland

The decision will be made at next Wednesday's meeting of the Scottish Cabinet, it has been confirmed.

First Minister Jack McConnell is said to be keen to move swiftly towards implementing change.

The consultation document on the prospect of a smoking ban drew the largest public response to such an exercise in Scotland.

Ministers in England are studying plans for a licensing scheme, under which smoking would be banned in pubs, restaurants and offices unless strict licensing conditions were met, it has emerged.

The first minister is very keen to move very swiftly on this once agreement is reached, in terms of legislation Scottish Executive spokeswoman

Scotland cannot follow the Irish model of imposing a public ban as this is being achieved in Eire through health and safety legislation.

This area of legislation is reserved to Westminster, so the executive would have to bring in restrictions through public health legislation at Holyrood if it opted for a full-blown ban.

An executive spokeswoman said: "The first minister has made it clear that he is hopeful that a decision will be made if agreement can be reached on Wednesday.

"The first minister is very keen to move very swiftly on this once agreement is reached, in terms of legislation."

The spokeswoman said Scotland could go further than England.

She added: "We are keeping an eye on what's happening down south, but in terms of how we react up here the first minister has made it clear he will do what's best for Scotland."