To ask the Minister of Health (i) when he will publish a new tobacco strategy; and (ii) what measures this will include to support people to stop smoking, particularly in deprived areas.

Preliminary work on a new Tobacco Control Strategy for Northern Ireland had commenced in late 2023 but was paused to allow the Department to focus on supporting the inclusion of Northern Ireland measures in the UK-wide Tobacco and Vapes Bill which is currently progressing through Parliament. This Bill will be a landmark step in creating a smoke-free UK and a key action in helping to reduce health inequalities.

There remain concerning socio-economic inequalities in smoking prevalence across a range of indicators including smoking in pregnancy and exposure to second-hand smoke. Inequalities in smoking prevalence also persist amongst other groups, particularly those with mental ill-health. These issues, amongst others, will also be considered as part of the new Tobacco Control Strategy for Northern Ireland.

The Department will continue to focus on supporting the NI measures in the Bill and their implementation, including scoping and bringing forward further regulations under the powers in the Bill. This will be a substantial programme of work. Officials will then identify the work needed to support this new more comprehensive legislative framework and address the continuing challenges of creating a smokefree Northern Ireland. This will be the focus of a new tobacco control strategy for NI.

Meanwhile, the current Tobacco Control Strategy will continue to provide strategic direction.