Smoking in cars with children to become offence in Ireland from January 2016

Legislation making it an offence to smoke in cars where children are fellow passengers will be enforced in Ireland from 1 January 2016, the Irish Independent reports.

Health Minister Leo Varadkar and Children’s Minister James Reilly will sign an order commencing the Protection of Children’s Health (Tobacco Smoke in Mechanically Propelled Vehicles) Bill from next year, sources said.

The bill was passed by the Oireachtas in 2014 but its commencement was delayed to allow An Garda Síochána to prepare for its implementation.

A similar law is expected to be implemented in Northern Ireland as part of the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, which is currently before the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Northern Ireland’s Health Minister Simon Hamilton said he had been inspired by the “example of other parts of the United Kingdom”, where similar legislation has also been implemented.