Smoking in cars with children to be banned from January 2016

It is expected that the ban will come in to effect from New Year’s Day after the Health Minister signed the regulations into law under the Protection of Children’s Health Act.

People who are caught smoking in the presence of children could face a €100 fine.

The bill was backed by the Scottish government and opposition parties in the Scottish Parliament.

It aims protect children from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.

The ban is supported by the British Medical Association who said it was an important step.

Norma Cronin from ASH Ireland said second hand smoke in cars is particularly unsafe for children.

“Most smokers know smoking in a auto with children is inconsiderate”.

Global health campaigners said that Scotland was leading the way and that others in less developed countries would be encouraged to follow suit.

He said: “As far as I can tell, politicians should really now be called risk managers because that seems to be what they spend most of their time doing, especially when it comes to child safety”.

“The legislation that Jim Hume has pioneered will have an impact around the world”. Public and works vehicles are already covered by existing legislation.

The new law is a waste of time and unenforceable.

From January 1, it will be illegal to smoke in a auto that a child is travelling in.