Protection of Children's Health (Tobacco Smoke in Mechanically Propelled Vehicles) Act 2014

The Protection of Children's Health (Tobacco Smoke in Mechanically Propelled Vehicles) Act 2014 is an act of Oireachtas which prohibits smoking in a motor vehicle containing a child.

Protection of Children's Health (Tobacco Smoke in Mechanically Propelled Vehicles) Act 2014
Oireachtas
Long title An Act to create an offence of smoking a tobacco product in the presence of a child in a mechanically propelled vehicle; and to provide for related matters.
Citation	No. 40 of 2014
Considered by	Seanad Éireann
Considered by	Dáil Éireann
Assented to	25 December, 2014
Commenced	1 January 2016
Legislative history
First chamber: Seanad Éireann
Bill title	Protection of Children's Health (Tobacco Smoke in Mechanically Propelled Vehicles) Bill 2012
Introduced by	Jillian van Turnhout
First reading	3 May 2012
Second reading	8 May 2012
Third reading	17 April 2014
Second chamber: Dáil Éireann
Member(s) in charge	Deputy James Reilly TD, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
Second reading	8 October 2014
Third reading	18 October 2014
Status: Current legislation

Background

In 2011, the Minister for Health, James Reilly, commented that the government was considering plans to introduce. a ban on cars containing children under the age of 16 years.^[1]

Provisions

The legislation bans smoking in cars containing children.^[2]

Implementation

The act came into force on 1 January 2016.^[3] Fines can be up to €100 under the legislation.^[2]

Zero people were fined in the first year after the legislation came into effect.^[4]

Further developments

Similar provisions were included in the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act (Northern Ireland) 2016.^[5]