The UK is set to become the only country in the world with legislation creating a “smokefree generation” after a similar law in New Zealand was repealed after two years.

However, questions have been raised about whether extending the ban to Northern Ireland would breach post-Brexit trade rules.

Health minister Mike Nesbitt said the inclusion of Northern Ireland in the bill will be subject to the agreement of the Executive and support of the Assembly.

“The proposed measures in this bill offer a huge public health opportunity to reduce preventable death and illness,” he said.

“This is particularly important in communities where the prevalence of tobacco use is the largest contributor to health inequalities. Reducing these health inequalities across Northern Ireland is one of my key areas of focus and I am positive this legislation will make a very significant difference going forward.”

He continued: “Smoking costs health and care services in the UK £3.1 billion a year — resources that could be freed up to deliver millions more appointments, scans, and operations every year. Shortening the period of life spent in ill-health will help reduce pressures on our health services and improve the quality of life for many of our population.

“I intend to introduce a legislative consent motion shortly and it is my sincere hope that Assembly colleagues will remain supportive of the new and enhanced provisions included in the bill.

“Meanwhile, my department will continue to work closely with the UK government on the range of proposals being considered within the new bill.”