To ask the Minister for Regional Development what Translink is doing to reduce the number of people smoking on platforms in both manned and un-manned stations.

I have been advised that Translink has been proactive in this matter and operates a no smoking policy at all of its rail stations, halts and on its services.

Translink also does not permit electronic cigarettes to be used at any of its stations or on any of its services and this decision is in line with the British Medical Association's recommendation that e-cigarettes should be included in the ban on smoking in public places.

Designated smoking areas have also been identified at main stations.

No smoking signage is visible at all of the locations, and staff will intervene, if required. However, Translink has no enforcement powers, as legislation removed the NIR bye-law that would have allowed it to enforce the ruling. Enforcement is now through local councils.

Therefore, Translink actively engages with the local authority ‘smoking cessation officers’ to try and raise awareness of this issue and it regularly has information stalls in its main stations, most recently for No Smoking Day on 11 March 2015 in the Europa Buscentre / Great Victoria Street and in Coleraine. This information provides both staff and members of the public with advice on how to stop smoking. Translink also displays information on ‘stop smoking’ support services at other locations.