Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has welcomed news the Health Minister will be bringing forward legislation to ban smoking in cars where under-18s are present.

In response to a question in the Assembly Chamber from the South Belfast MLA, the Health Minister also stated he would be legislating to end the sale of e-cigarettes to minors. A ban on smoking in cars with under-18s has been in place in England since 2015.

“I am pleased the Health Minister will be bringing Northern Ireland in line with England by banning smoking in cars where children or young people are passengers,” said Ms Bradshaw.

“However, yet again we find Northern Ireland is playing catch-up. I hope the Health Minister’s proposed legislation will pass through the Assembly before the end of the mandate, despite delays resulting from the pandemic.

“It is also unacceptable Northern Ireland is the only UK country where there is no legal age restriction on the sale of e-cigarettes. Young people are not capable of comprehending the serious health risks that are associated with all smoking and the law here needs to reflect this.

“I urge the Health Minister to make the necessary progress to protect the health of our young people.”