Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill: Consideration Stage

Part of Executive Committee Business – in the Northern Ireland Assembly at 6:30 pm on 22 February 2016.

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Photo of Alastair Ross Alastair Ross DUP 6:30, 22 February 2016

I thank the Member for giving way. He is right, of course, and, at the time, there was quite a debate. The distinction, however, is that that ban was about a public space; it was in the public sphere and involved public vehicles or council vehicles that could be shared with other people. This moves the debate into the private sphere — a private vehicle — and, some people would argue, ultimately impacts on a personal and parental decision. Nobody is saying that it is a good idea; in fact, it is stupid to smoke in a car carrying children. However, has the Member any concerns about starting to legislate for the private sphere? Can a distinction be made between a car and a small flat or a room in a house?