MOTORISTS in the Republic caught smoking in cars with children present will face a €100 fine from New Year’s Day.
The Republic’s ministers for health Leo Varadkar and Dr James Reilly yesterday confirmed that the Protection of Children’s Health (Tobacco Smoke in Mechanically Propelled Vehicles) Act 2014 would come into effect on January 1.
Anyone caught breaking the law will receive a fixed penalty of €100 with the option of tougher penalties of up to €1,000 for failing to stop or providing inaccurate details.
“Recent research shows that many children are effectively trapped in cars and exposed to toxic and health damaging smoke. We all have a duty of care to our children and the prevention of damage to their lungs is a responsibility for us all,” Dr Reilly said.
“Children are more susceptible to the effects of second hand smoke and may not be able to avoid exposure. Second hand smoke is particularly harmful to children in enclosed spaces, such as cars,” Mr Varadkar added.
The ban has been welcomed by ASH Ireland but smokers’ group Forest Eireann has criticised it as “waste of time” and "unenforceable".
There is growing pressure for similar legislation across the border, with research commissioned by Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke group last year finding that 82 per cent of people wanted the Assembly to ban smoking in cars where children are passengers.
