317. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the details of the legislative controls and restrictions in place for the purpose of regulating the sale, supply and use of hookah instruments for the smoking and vaping of tobacco; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19076/18]

Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris):  A hookah is a water pipe used to smoke tobacco through cooled water.

The current legislative framework on tobacco control is the Public Health (Tobacco) Acts 2002 to 2015. Section 47 of the Public Health (Tobacco) Acts prohibits smoking in most enclosed work spaces. This includes office blocks, public house/bars, restaurants and company vehicles (cars and vans). The overall purpose of the ban is to limit people from the harms of second hand tobacco smoke. The use of the hookah instrument for the consumption of tobacco is prohibited in these areas.

The Public Health (Tobacco) Acts do not regulate the sale or supply of the hookah instrument.