Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 309: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on introducing legislation to ban smoking in cars in which children under 16 years of age are transported; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11583/08]

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 313: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the research carried out by or on behalf of her Department in regard to the affect of smoking in cars in which children under 16 years are transported; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11592/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 309 and 313 together.

I have no proposals to introduce a ban on smoking in cars in which children under 16 years of age are being transported but I will keep the matter under review. There is ample research evidence on the harmful effects of exposure to cigarette smoke and on the fact that such exposure is particularly dangerous in enclosed spaces (including motor cars). Parents and others with responsibility for the welfare of children have a particular responsibility to ensure that such exposure does not take place.