Commissioner Welcomes Changes to Tobacco Laws

2 July 2008 News

NORTHERN Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley, has welcomed the decision to raise the legal age at which people can buy tobacco to 18.

The Commissioner said she was please the Northern Ireland Assembly was taking steps to protect the health of children.

“Today’s announcement by the Minister for Health Social Services, Michael McGimpsey is a step which will protect children from the damaging effects of smoking,” said Ms Lewsley.

“Children told NICCY three years ago that they wanted support and protection from risk-taking behaviour, and as such this is a welcome move.

“I hope that this will be combined with improved health education on the risks of smoking and strict enforcement of this age limit.”