To ask the Minister of Health what consideration has been given to raising the minimum age for purchasing tobacco each year by one year.

The recent independent review into smokefree policies, led by Dr Javed Khan OBE, recommended that the UK Government raise the age of sale for purchasing tobacco each year by one year. The aim of the recommendation is to create a tobacco free generation where young people below a certain age are legally prevented from buying tobacco products throughout their entire lifetime. Whilst the Khan recommendations do not relate directly to NI the recommendations, along with the UK Government response, will be considered within a NI context particularly during the ongoing review of our tobacco control strategy and in the development of our subsequent strategic approach. I am keen to explore all avenues that reduce the unacceptable harm and health disparities caused by smoking.