To ask the Minister of Health, in order to bring Northern Ireland in line with Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland, whether he intends to set a smoke-free target date.

The Ten-Year Tobacco Control Strategy for Northern Ireland has an overall aim to create a tobacco-free society. A final review of the current strategy was published online in September 2023 and work to develop a new strategy is in the early stages of development. The final review of the Strategy acknowledged the support for a smoke-free target date, and this will be further considered as the new strategy is developed. It is important that the setting of such ambitious targets includes considered, resourced and realistic plans as to how to achieve the target.

I have recently announced my intention to seek NI Assembly support for inclusion of NI in the UK Government Tobacco and Vapes Bill. The measures set out in that Bill have the potential to make a huge impact on smoking prevalence rates here.