John Crown (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The two year gestation period of the Bill corresponds to an elephantine gestation period, if I remember my biology correctly. The Bill has already achieved my principal aim and that of Senators Mark Daly and Jillian van Turnhout, with Mr. Shane Conneely and other staff, that it provoke debate and have an educational role. People became aware of the real and proximate risk to the health of children if exposed to smoke tobacco products in the confines of a motor vehicle. While others have stated this is a further element of the nanny state and Government interference, the truth of the matter is that its principal role is educational. Children will be aware of it; parents will be aware of it and people will understand this is something they should not do. I would be very happy if there were no prosecutions under the Bill and if no one smoked in a car with a child present. That would be the ideal outcome. I thank the Minister and his officials.