NI: NI health minister backs ban on smoking in cars with kids
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Northern Ireland’s health minister has confirmed plans to amend proposed legislation to include a ban on smoking in cars where children are passengers.
The legislation, if passed, would bring Northern Ireland in line with the Republic of Ireland, where the Protection of Children’s Health (Tobacco Smoke in Mechanically Propelled Vehicles) Bill was passed in 2014 - though has yet to be implemented.
Similar laws have also been passed in other parts of the UK.
The provisions will be introduced as an amendment to the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, which is currently before the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Health Minister Simon Hamilton told the Assembly: “I want to address an issue that is not in the Bill but that many believe should be. Many were understandably concerned at the omission from the Bill of a clause banning smoking in cars with children.
“I have listened carefully to the arguments made by many that Northern Ireland should follow the example of other parts of the United Kingdom, and I can confirm to the House today that it is my intention to bring forward an amendment at Consideration Stage to ban smoking in cars with children.”
The bill will next move into committee stage.
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