To ask the Minister of Health for his assessment of no idling zones in protecting those vulnerable to air pollution.

My Department has undertaken no direct assessment of the impact of no idling zones on those vulnerable to air pollution. Air quality is the lead responsibility of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

The Executive’s overarching strategic framework for Public Health, Making Life Better (MLB), recognises that health and wellbeing is influenced by many factors, including the wider physical environment. Numerous studies point to the physical and mental health benefits of access to green spaces and better air quality. MLB includes a commitment to protect and promote good health and wellbeing through working collaboratively to improve air quality.

An example of collaboration to date includes work with colleagues in DAERA to ensure that targeted effective air quality advice is issued to the public. The advice sets out steps which individuals can take to minimise their exposure to pollutants, or to reduce or alleviate any resultant symptoms. This advice is available on the NI Direct website: http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/air-pollution-and-health. The advice also includes a link to DAERA’s air quality website (www.airqualityni.co.uk) where members of the public can find out current or forecast air pollution levels in their area.