Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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It is welcome that we have reached Committee Stage of the Bill. I join the Minister and the Chairman in commending the Senators involved, in particular Senator Jillian van Turnhout who is present, for their work on the content of the proposed legislation. I also note that amendments were tabled and accepted in the course of the debate in the Seanad. The fact that no amendments have been tabled for this Committee Stage debate represents an endorsement of the content of the Bill and an acceptance of the work done.

I hope the Minister's reference to enforcement being a responsibility of An Garda Síochána will prove to be unnecessary.

My own sense is that people in general but especially parents, older siblings and extended family members, if they are not already of a mind to do so, will self-police to meet the requirements of this legislation and ensure no child will be exposed to the risks of passive smoking in a relatively small enclosed space. We are talking about mechanically propelled vehicles which are relatively small enclosed spaces. As a consequence, the risk factors of so-called passive smoking are multiplied significantly. Journey times vary; not only are children in the car during the quick run to school but oftentimes are exposed to passive smoking on very significant journeys.

This is a very sensible Bill and I hope the media will give it the public attention it deserves and that there will be 100% compliance for all the right reasons. I endorse and fully support its passage.