Ban on smoking in cars carrying children

Radical legislation to ban smoking in vehicles carrying children has been approved by Health Minister James Reilly and will be enforced before the summer.

Under the draft legislation, to be completed by the end of this month, passengers as well as drivers face fines of €3,000 for smoking in a commercial or private vehicle with children.

The health initiative, originally proposed by senators, is expected to be rolled out by July at the latest after approval by Oireachtas members and has been given the backing of gardaí and justice officials.